The
American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Dental
Society and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., have teamed up to educate pet owners
about the importance of regular dental care for their pets. Here is some
excellent information from their web site
www.petdental.com
Dr.
Holmstrom Answers
Your Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it
cost to clean teeth?
That´s a tough
question! It all depends on the stage of dental disease that your pet
has. Patients with gingivitis require preventative dental treatment
(prophylaxis) while patients with periodontitis (gum disease) require
periodontal therapy and sometimes periodontal surgery. Fees for these
two procedures alone vary. In addition ancillary treatment such as iv
catheters, fluids, and medications may be necessary.
Is general
anesthesia necessary to clean teeth?
Unfortunately, yes.
It is impossible to use the mechanical and sharp instruments in the
mouth without the patient being completely still. The slightest movement
can cause harm. In addition, scaling below the gumline is a very
important part of the procedure. This is where many bacteria can hide.
Failure to remove these bacteria eliminates any medical benefit from the
procedure.
I am afraid of
having general anesthesia used on my pet, what can be done?
Safety starts out
with preanesthesia blood panels. Evaluating the internal organs and
blood cells in this manner improves safety by detecting underlying
disease. Gas anesthetics such as Sevoflurane and Isoflurane have
tremendously improved anesthesia safety. Monitoring by blood pressure,
pulse oximeter, EKG and respiratory have also increased safety. The risk
of anesthesia verses the benefit of treatment should be discussed with
your veterinarian on an individual basis.
Will my pet suffer
if I don't take care of its teeth and gums?
Gum disease can cause
pets pain and serious dental problems later in life, as well as possibly
lead to more serious illnesses, such as heart and kidney disease. But
gum disease can be prevented. By beginning early in your pet's life to
care for its teeth, you can spare your pet the discomfort caused by gum
disease.
Can pets get
cavities?
Pets, like their
human owners, can get cavities. However, cavities are relatively rare in
pets because pets' diets generally aren't high in decay-causing sugars.
Veterinary dental experts have noticed a mild rise in the incidence of
cavities among pets fed sugary treats. To avoid cavities in your pet's
mouth, feed only pet food and treats designed for pets.
What causes a dog
to break its teeth?
The most common cause
of tooth breakage among dogs is chewing on objects that are too hard.
Cow hooves are one of the most common chew toys blamed, but other hard
toys can be at fault. To help prevent tooth breakage, watch how your dog
chews on any new toy. If it is aggressively biting down, trying to crack
the toy, you probably shouldn't let the dog chew on that toy. For
especially aggressive chewers, look for toys they can't get their mouths
around. Rawhide or other chews that soften as the dog chews are another
option.
Isn't bad breath
in pets just natural?
No. While it is true
that bad breath can indicate a more serious illness, bad breath in pets
is most often caused by bacteria that form when plaque and tartar are
not removed from the teeth, which may cause a gum infection.
How can a
professional dental cleaning by a veterinarian help my pet?
A professional dental
cleaning will remove plaque, stain and tartar encrusted above and below
the gumline, restoring your dog's teeth to a clean and polished
condition, and removing the bacteria that can cause gum disease.
What is causing a
big, swollen bump on my cat's gum?
Isolated swelling on
the gum above one tooth could indicate a couple of problems, such as a
feline dental resorption or an abscessed tooth. In both cases, immediate
veterinary care is indicated. Left untreated, cervical line lesions
(also known as feline dental resorptions) are especially painful and can
lead to tooth loss in cats.
My dog shows a
ridge-like wear on its canine teeth. What causes this?
Wear patterns show up
from repeated chewing. The ridge-like wear you describe could be
attributed to chewing on a chain-link fence. Dogs that are left alone in
backyards may chew on fences because they are bored, scared, frustrated
or for other reasons. The best solution is to keep the dog and the fence
away from each other.
My cat broke off a
tooth. Can the tooth be replaced?
Veterinary dentists
can install crowns and replacement teeth for pets with damaged or
missing teeth. Your family veterinarian can provide a referral to a
veterinary dental specialist, when it is appropriate.
Do dogs wear
braces?
For some dogs, braces
are necessary to straighten the teeth enough so the dog's mouth opens
and closes correctly. Orthodontics work can vary from limited work on a
few teeth to a full set of braces. However, most dogs are born with
sufficiently straight teeth to allow them to chew without problems.
Does it matter
whether my pet eats hard or soft food?
Studies show that
hard kibbles are slightly better at keeping plaque from accumulating on
the teeth. Currently, there is a separate product for dogs and cats that
has been proven to help reduce plaque and tartar. If you think your pet
needs a special food, consult your family veterinarian.
When is my pet too
old for toothbrushing?
Your pet is never too
old for toothbrushing. In fact, the older your pet gets, the more
important it is to keep plaque and tartar from accumulating. Studies
show that bacteria from dental diseases can move systematically into the
vital organs. Keeping your pet's mouth healthy is an important step in
your pet's overall good health.
