Dental Disease

Dental Disease

What kinds of dental problems do dogs have?

Dental disease is as common in dogs as it is in people. The most common form of dental disease in man is decay or caries. In the dog the most common problem is periodontal disease. Invisible plaque builds up on the teeth, this is composed of bacteria, food deposits and saliva. With time the plaque becomes calcified and forms tartar. This build up of tartar causes irritation of the gums around the base of the teeth. The resulting inflammation is gingivitis. The gums ultimately recede exposing the roots which leads to infection and ultimately tooth loss.

Isn't it correct that dogs that eat dry food don't have tartar build-up?

Dry food as well as canine chews and other gnawing toys do reduce the amount of plaque accumulating on the teeth, due to the mechanical abrasive action. However once tartar has formed, professional cleaning under a general anaesthetic is necessary in order to remove it.

One of the main factors determining the amount of tartar build-up is the individual chemistry in the mouth. Some dogs need more regular dental treatment than others. There is also a large variation between the breeds. Small breed dogs generally have a worse problem than the larger breeds.

What does tartar do to the teeth?

If tartar is allowed to remain on the teeth, several things may happen.

	The tartar will mechanically push the gums away from the roots of the teeth. This allows infection to enter the root socket. The teeth will loosen and fall out or have to be extracted.
	Infection will accumulate in the mouth, resulting in gingivitis, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis (sore throat). Although antibiotics may temporarily suppress the infection, if the tartar is not removed from the teeth, infection will return quickly.
	Infection within the mouth will be picked up by the blood stream and carried to other parts of the body. Some kidney and heart disease may be caused by this infection.

What is involved in cleaning my dog's teeth?

Proper cleaning and polishing of your dog's teeth requires a general anaesthetic.

There are four steps in the cleaning process:

Ultrasonic descaling removes the tartar above and below the gum line.
The teeth and gums are examined, any loose or rotten teeth are extracted
Polishing smoothes the surface of the teeth, making them resistant to additional plaque formation.
Flushing removes dislodged tartar from the teeth and helps to remove the bacteria that accompany tartar

How do I arrange for my dog to have his teeth cleaned?

Your dog will need to be booked in for the day at the London Road surgery. If we have not recently checked your pets teeth then an appointment may be made for you to see the veterinary surgeon on the morning of admission. Please see pre-operative instructions for further information about how to prepare your pet for a general anaesthetic. Pets having dental treatment usually go home the same day. On collection you may be asked to return your pet for a check up in a few days time to ensure all is well, particularly if any teeth have been extracted. It is possible antibiotics will be prescribed for your pet if there is any gingivitis present.

How can I keep my dog's teeth clean following dental treatment?

After-care is very important. Plaque will begin to form on your pet's freshly cleaned teeth within 24 hours of a cleaning procedure. To minimise the need for further dental procedures on your pet we recommend -

Regular Brushing with an animal toothpaste to retard the formation of further tartar. We have suitable toothpaste and toothbrushes available to purchase and will be happy to advise you.

Provide your pet with dental exercise This is easily achieved by feeding a complete dry food, and using dental and gum exercisers such a nylabones, flosses and rasks. Do not at any time feed you cat or dog bones. They damage the teeth and can become lodged in both the mouth and the intestines.

Regular veterinary check ups are essential to monitor your pet's dental care.

Some notes on brushing your dogs teeth

One useful way of getting your dog accustomed to brushing the teeth is to use an old toothbrush dipped in the dog's dinner since feeding time is, after all, the highpoint of the day for your pet. Unlike us, brushing of the outside of the teeth is all that is really required. A dog's tongue is sufficiently mobile that most of the plaque and in consequence, tartar, is removed from the inside (lingual) surface of the teeth automatically. Once your pet has become accustomed to this procedure it is a simple step to move to the use of special toothpastes which, unlike ours, are meant to be swallowed and are usually meat or malt flavoured. DO NOT USE HUMAN DENTIFRICES, these are foaming products and are not meant to be swallowed and will be universally resented by the dog.