For Your Adult Pet:
While dental disease is common among humans, dental disease in pets is the MOST common form of disease. As most pets are not self-sufficient and cannot feed themselves, they can't brush their own teeth either, it is up to us as their masters to educate ourselves in pet dental care so that we can take proper care of our loving pets.
Dental disease in pets occurs as a result of the buildup of tartar, sometimes referred to as calculus. Tartar develops when plaque (a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth consisting of bacteria, mucus and food) remains on the teeth for too long. The long-term effects of bacteria in plaque can lead to periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Gingivitis is as an inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, the gums will become infected and eventually recede, exposing the root of the tooth to further bacteria and will progress to many types of dental disease.
Periodontitis is defined as an infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth. Pets with this form of periodontal disease may: have abscesses, need root canals and eventually lose teeth.
There are many signs of dental disease in pets. Foul smelling "doggy breath" indicates the presence of bacteria in the mouth. The appearance of yellow or brown deposits, known as calculus, usually appearing at the gum line, is another sign of dental disease. Red, rather than pale pink gums, are also indicative of dental disease. The beginning of gingivitis is indicated by a red line at the base of the gums. |