Dental Care

 

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop gum disease by the age of three years. Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition affecting dogs and cats. Infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth are caused by bacteria present in plaque and calculus (tartar). The problem begins when plaque and calculus are allowed to build up on a pet's teeth, especially below the gumline. Bad breath, bleeding and inflammation of the gums, receding gums, loosening and the eventual loss of teeth are characteristic of the condition.

Prophylactic treatment to keep the teeth clean is therefore of great importance. Bear Valley Animal Hospital recommends an oral hygiene program that includes regularly brushing your pets' teeth with a toothpaste formulated for animals. Diet is a major factor in the development of plaque and calculus. Soft or sticky foods should therefore be avoided, while certain chewing toys are beneficial. A specially formulated diet with dental benefits to reduce the accumulation of plaque and calculus is now available for dogs and cats.

Regular professional cleaning is important to maintaining your pet's teeth. We use modern and safe ultrasonic scalers to clean each tooth thoroughly - above and below the gum line. Dental technicians polish teeth to create a smooth, lustrous tooth surface more resistant to plaque buildup. Fluoride treatments help strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity. Questionable teeth may be x-rayed with our digital radiographic unit. Pre-operative pain medication is given to all patients that may receive extractions. Your pet will be thoroughly monitored during the procedure with pulse oximetery. A good dental care dental program should include regular visits to your veterinarian, which include an oral exam, veterinary dental cleaning and daily home oral care are advised.

Oral Exams 

A thorough dental exam can identify potential problems such as plaque and tartar build-up, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and fractured or abscessed teeth can be performed by BVAH veterinarians. During an oral exam, we will undertake the following:

  • Examine the face and head for asymmetry, swelling, or discharges.

  • Examine the oral cavity, oral mucosa, and surfaces of teeth and gums.

  • Open the mouth to examine the inner surfaces of the teeth and gums and the tongue,  
         palates, oral mucosa, tonsils, and ventral tongue area.

  • Palpate and assess the size, shape, and consistency of the salivary glands and the
         lymph nodes in the neck.

    Dental Care For Dogs

    Dogs rarely get cavities, but are much more prone to gum disease and excess tartar build-up on the teeth. Food particles and bacteria collect along the gumline forming plaque. Routine home care can remove this plaque.If plaque is not removed, minerals in the saliva combine with the plaque and form tartar (or calculus) which adheres strongly to the teeth. Plaque starts to mineralize 3-5 days after it forms. The tartar is irritating to the gums and causes an inflammation called gingivitis. This can be seen as reddening of the gums adjacent to the teeth. It also causes bad breath. At this point it is necessary to remove the plaque with special instruments called scalers, and then polish the teeth.

    If the tartar is not removed, it builds up under the gums. It separates the gums from the teeth to form "pockets" and encourages even more bacterial growth. At this point the damage is irreversible, and called "periodontal" disease. It can be very painful and can lead to loose teeth, abscesses, and bone loss or infection. As bacterial growth continues to increase, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream. This can cause infection of the heart valves (endocarditis), liver, and kidneys. If treated by your veterinarian with special instruments and procedures, periodontal disease can be slowed or stopped.

    To prevent dental disease, your dog needs routine dental care at home. But to perform good home care, you need to start with clean teeth. Brushing will remove plaque but not tartar. So if your dog's teeth have tartar, it is necessary for your veterinarian to remove it and polish the teeth. This professional veterinary dental cleaning is also called a prophylaxis or "prophy." A routine dental cleaning consists of:

    • Anesthetizing your dog.

    • Taking radiographs (x-rays) to assess the health of all of the teeth and bone.

    • Flushing the mouth with a solution to kill the bacteria.

    • Cleaning the teeth with handheld and ultrasonic scalers. All calculus is removed from above and below the gumline. This is extremely important and can only be done if the animal is under anesthesia.

    • Using a disclosing solution to show any areas of remaining calculus which are then removed.

    • Polishing the teeth to remove microscopic scratches.

    • Inspecting each tooth and the gum around it for any signs of disease.

    • Flushing the mouth, again, with an antibacterial solution.

    • Optionally, applying a dental agent to retard plaque build up.

    • Recording any abnormalities or additional procedures on a dental chart.

    • Determining the best follow-up and home dental care program for your dog.

    Dental Care For Cats

    Lack of proper cat dental care can bring about dental disease, one of the most common disorders in cats. Good dental care includes professional veterinary dental care and home oral care for cats and kittens, including toothbrushing. Over time, a cat's teeth accumulate tartar, just like our teeth do if not cleaned regularly. This can cause tooth deterioration, and infection, gum disease, and tooth loss. In turn this causes pain and difficulty in eating and grooming.

    It is important to know dental disease can spread to other organs of the body, causing serious and dangerous illness to your cat.Regular preventive dental care will keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy, and protect your pet's long term health. When our veterinarians examine and cleans your cat's teeth, your pet will be anesthetized, as cats are no fonder of a visit to the dentist than are their owners. Each animal is different and even cats from the same litter, who eat the same food, may have very different dental needs. Our veterinarians can advise you about an appropriate schedule for your cats.