Routine dental care is a very important part of maintaining good health in dogs and cats.  Most dogs and cats eventually need to have their teeth professionally cleaned, and it’s in your pet’s best interest to have their teeth cleaned when recommended, not to wait as dental disease only progresses over time.  At University Parkway Animal Hospital, we routinely perform anesthetic dental procedures, using electronic scalers to remove most plaque and tartar, as well as hand scaling under the gum line, where tartar often accumulates (sub gingival root planing).  We also polish the teeth and in some cases, use antibiotic gels or special dental sealant treatments.

Dental procedures are performed using the same careful anesthetic and monitoring techniques that we use for our surgical patients. Many pets have their teeth cleaned on an annual basis to help ensure optimal oral health. Dental disease is a frequent problem, but it is often not recognized by the owner. The number one dental complaint is bad breath. When we do our dental exam we often find that severe dental disease is the culprit. This may entail loose teeth and painful gum infections.

Pet owners should know that a simple three-step program can keep their pets' mouths healthier. The three steps include taking your pet to the veterinarian for a dental exam, and dental cleaning if indicated. Establishing a home care routine of brushing or using special products to reduce dental tartar, such as CET Chews, is step two. The last step includes regular veterinary checkups because plaque builds up quickly and some pets require more frequent dental care.

Studies have shown that 8 out of 10 dogs and 7 out of 10 cats show signs of gum disease by the age of three. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious systemic diseases of the heart, kidneys, and liver. There is no need for this to happen because most dental diseases can be controlled or even eliminated with proper treatment by veterinarians and home care by owners. Dog and cats over the age of one should be routinely checked for dental disease.

Good preventive oral care is an important part of the care you give to your pet. Time spent on preventive care will help keep your pet healthier, and it strengthens the human-pet bond.

Pets that come into the hospital with gum disease are often in severe pain. Dental problems may cause your pet to suffer from:

	Mild Gingivitis Margin of attached gingiva (gum) is inflamed and swollen. Plaque covering teeth. Treatment can reverse condition.		Periodontal Disease Chronic bacterial infection is destroying the gum, tooth and bone. Bacteria are spreading throughout the body via the blood stream and may damage the kidneys, liver and heart.
	Moderate Gingivitis Entire attached gingiva (gum) is inflamed and swollen. Mouth is painful and odor begins to be noticeable. Professional treatment and home dental care can prevent this from becoming irreversible.