Pets need dental care, too!

Progression of Gingivitis to Periodontal Disease -- DOGS

  Mild Gingivitis
Margin of attached gingiva (gum) is inflamed and swollen. Plaque covering teeth. Treatment can reverse condition.

  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.

  Severe Gingivitis
Cherry red and bleeding attached gingiva (gum). Gingiva is becoming destroyed by infection and calculus (tartar). Sore mouth affects eating and behavior. Bad breath is present. Beginning of periodontal disease. May become irreversible.

  Periodontal Disease
Chronic bacterial infection is destroying the gum, tooth, and bone. Bacteria are spreading throughout the body via the bloodstream and may damage the kidneys, liver, and heart.

 Progression of Gingivitis to Periodontal Disease -- CATS

 Mild Gingivitis
Margin of attached gingiva (gum) is inflamed and swollen. Plaque covering teeth. Treatment can reverse condition.

 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.

 Severe Gingivitis
Cherry red and bleeding attached gingiva (gum). Gingiva is becoming destroyed by infection and calculus (tartar). Sore mouth affects eating and behavior. Bad breath is present. Beginning of periodontal disease. May become irreversible.

 Periodontal Disease
Chronic bacterial infection is destroying the gum, tooth, and bone. Bacteria are spreading throughout the body via the bloodstream and may damage the kidneys, liver, and heart.

photos courtesy of Jan Bellows, D.V.M., P.A., Dipl.A.V.D.C., Dipl.A.B.V.P.

 Professional Dental Cleaning

 The first step in promoting oral health is to schedule a thorough oral examination. At this time, it may be necessary to have your pet's teeth cleaned above and below the gumline. Like people, animals need this professional attention on a routine basis.

The cleaning will require your pet to be put under anesthesia. Recent advancements in anesthetic techniques and materials have greatly reduced the risks previously associated with this procedure.

 Diet

 Diet can be a major factor in the development of plaque and tartar. Soft or sticky foods may contribute to plaque build-up and subsequent periodontal disease. Dry food, biscuits, and specially-treated abrasive dental chews can be helpful in removing plaque above the gumline. However, only toothbrushing can remove plaque and food debris below the gumline, where disease-causing bacteria flourish.

  Home Care

 Since toothbrushing is considered the most effective method of removing plaque, we recommend an oral hygiene program which includes brushing your pet's teeth. It is important to use a toothbrush and toothpaste that fit your pet's needs. Use an ultra-soft toothbrush that will be kind to your pet's teeth. Pet toothpastes have flavors that appeal to pets & need not be rinsed.

 DO NOT use human toothpaste or baking soda. These products often contain ingredients which your pet should not swallow!

 When brushing is not practical you may use an antibacterial oral rinse or gel. These products are formulated specificially for pets, and with daily use they can help slow accumulation of dental plaque.

 How to Brush Your Pet's Teeth

 Brushing your pet's teeth is not difficult, but getting into the routine requires some patience on your part.

  The first step is to select a convenient time when you and your pet are both relaxed. For the first few days, simply hold your pet as your normally do when petting her. Gently stroke the outside of your pet's cheeks with your finger for a minute or two. After each session, reward your pet with an appropriate treat and lots of praise.

For the next few days--after your pet has become comfortable with this activity--place a small amount of animal dentrifice on your finger and let your pet sample it. Dentrifice comes in several flavors that are appealing to pets.

 Next comes the toothbrush or the fingerbrush. Place a small amount of the dentifrice on the brush, then gently raise your pet's upper lip and place the brush against an upper tooth. Use a slow circular motion to brush only that tooth and the adjoining gumline.

  Each day gradually increase the number of teeth you brush. GO SLOWLY. Do not go beyond your pet's point of comfort. Build up to approximately 30 seconds of brushing per side.

  And remember, after each session, reward your pet with a treat and lots of praise.