Why should my pet get a professional dental cleaning?
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Dental disease is the most common health problem of pets. In fact, 85 to 90% of all dogs over the age of six years have periodontal (gum) disease. Most dental diseases in dogs (and in people) are caused by deposits of plaque (an accumulation of old cells, saliva and bacteria) building up on the teeth. As the plaque hardens, it turns into a substance called tartar, or calculus. The accumulation of tartar can reach such proportions that the tooth becomes lost within a shell of brownish, foul-smelling material. This condition seriously inflames the gums (gingivitis), and leads to the breakdown of the periodontal tissues (periodontitis), which secure the teeth to the surrounding bone and gum tissue. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause a dog to lose its teeth.
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Other dental problems that require treatment include abscesses caused by broken or worn teeth, as well as advanced periodontal disease, structural problems caused by improper tooth alignment and/or abnormal numbers of teeth, pulpitis (infection and deterioration of the inside of the tooth), and osteomyelitis (bone infection), which can affect the jawbone.
Before
After
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Dogs develop 28 temporary teeth at two to three weeks of age. Their 42 permanent teeth emerge at about four to five months. Studies show that by age 3, 80% of dogs exhibit signs of gum disease. Small dog breeds are more likely than large breeds to develop periodontal disease. Canine dentistry experts believe this is because the teeth of small dogs often are too large for their mouths, forcing the teeth closer together.
Cats have about 26 temporary teeth at two to three weeks of age. Their 30 permanent teeth erupt at about four months. According to studies about 70% of cats have signs of gum disease by age 3. Cervical line lesions are the most common tooth disease in domestic cats. Studies show that about 28% of domestic cats develop at least one of these painful lesions during their lifetime.
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 | Home Care Tips - In addition to providing regular dental checks for their pets, pet owners can take steps at home to ensure good oral health. Feed a specially formulated pet food with proven oral health benefits in daily plaque and tartar control. Brush the pet's teeth with specially formulated toothpaste in flavors appealing to dogs and cats. Toothpaste for humans should not be used because it can cause upset stomachs for pets.
Take Pet Dental Health to Heart and make a commitment to provide routine dental care. Studies show that proper care of teeth and gums is at the heart of a total health care program for dogs and cats. Bacteria in your pet's mouth can lead to infections that eventually enter the bloodstream and could infect the heart, liver and kidneys. Don't let this happen to your best friend!
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