Pet Dental Disease’s Four Stages

As we have discussed in previous blogs, your pets dental health is very important! Periodontal disease is often seen by our veterinarians, and can be found in most dogs and cats. This disease can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss and damage to other organs.

Dental health for our pet patients is very important to us at Bregman Veterinary Group, so we would like to place the focus of this blog on periodontal disease and further educate you on the stages of periodontal disease that can occur in pets.

Periodontal disease can be broken down into four stages, they are as follows:

Stage 1
The early stage is characterized by gingivitis. This is an inflammation of the pet’s gums as it responds to the existence of bacteria and tartar. You might notice some minor swelling of the gum area. You may also notice a visible thin red line on the gums next to the teeth at this stage as well.

Stage 2
A.K.A. periodontitis. At this stage there is a small amount of bone loss,  < 25% , visible on oral x-rays. Inflammation of your pet’s gums may occur along with visible plaque and tartar and bad breath. At this stage, your pet should get a professional cleaning to thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar, and to help reverse the progress of the disease.

Stage 3
At this stage serious damage starts. This stage is also known as moderate periodontitis. During x-rays 25-50% of bone loss can be found. Gums are swollen and aggravated and may even bleed. Significant pain may be present along with bad breath. It is recommended the infected/damaged teeth now be removed.

Stage 4
In the 4th and final stage, extreme periodontal disease is obvious. Bone loss is now >50%, visible in x-rays. Your pet could lose numerous teeth along with being in extreme pain. Infection could spread to internal organs as well now.

Preventing and Treating Pet Dental Disease

Periodontal disease can be treated, which is why you should always have an annual exam for your pet. This allows your veterinarian the ability to take the necessary steps for your pets oral care. These regular checkups, dental cleanings and daily brushing done by you go a long way towards a healthy mouth and life!
As always, your Bregman Veterinary Group is here for you and your pet! Don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule your pet’s next visit. Happy Brushing!

Dental Health and Your Pet

Dental health is not only important for humans, but pets as well. A pet should have its teeth and gums checked annually to ensure a healthy mouth and help detect any problems early. Dental problems if left untreated may cause health issues for your pet. Some of the most common dental problems are very similar to people’s and include cavities, tissue inflammation and gum disease.

Brushing your pet’s teeth

Brushing your pet’s teeth may not be easy, but is a great way to help ensure the health of their teeth, gums and mouth. Regular brushings can help prevent many of the common oral issues a pet will encounter. This in turn could also help reduce trips to the vet down the road for dental problems. Not only does brushing help keep a pet’s teeth healthy, but the proper diet (more dry food, less wet) and treats formulated to help with dental health are also very beneficial.   

Health

It is important to have your pet’s teeth checked annually. This allows for early detection of a possible problem along with keeping your pet healthy.  Your pet should have its teeth checked sooner if you notice problems such as:

·      Bad breath

·      Discoloring of teeth, or excessive tartar

·      Pain around the mouth area

·      Bleeding from mouth

·      Broken/loose teeth

·      Extra teeth

·      Unusual chewing, drooling or mouth drooping

·      Refusing to eat, or reduced appetite

·      Swelling around mouth area

Veterinarian Dental Exam

When you take your pet to the veterinarian for their dental exam, it will begin with an oral examination of the pet’s teeth and gums. If needed, x-rays may be taken to help further evaluate the tooth structure unable to be seen. A thorough cleaning will then take place, and this is generally done under anesthesia to help minimize stress and ensure the safety of the pet and veterinarian. The cleaning includes similar procedures a person would experience including scaling (scraping off of tartar) followed up by polishing of the teeth.  

If you are unsure on the proper way to take care of your pet’s teeth, talk with your veterinarian. They can help instruct you on how to properly brush your pet’s teeth along with offering recommendations on dental products, foods and treats. Happy Brushing!

Should You Brush Your Pet’s Teeth?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Most pet owners expect their dogs to have bad breath.  While this is true, especially potent breath paired with other warning signs could mean that your pet has tooth decay.  About 85% of pets have periodontal disease by the age of 3.  Here are a few warning signs to look out for when inspecting your dog’s teeth.

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Periodontal Warning Signs:

• Persistent Bad Breath
• Bleeding Gums
• Mouth Sensitivity
• Receding Gums
• Loose Teeth
• Missing Teeth
• Difficulty Chewing
• Irritability

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent periodontal disease from affecting your pet’s teeth.  If your pet is comfortable, you can massage your dog’s gums and gently brush the teeth.  Rawhide, nylon and rubber chew toys can also massage the gums and keep the teeth clean by scraping away soft tartar.

If your pet is showing any of the signs of periodontal disease, schedule a checkup at our office.  At Bregman Vet Group, we can determine if your pet is suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis.  Contact our office or visit our website for more information.

Ten Step’s to Your Dog’s Dental Health!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Humans are not the only ones who need to have Dental Hygiene, it is important to take care of a dog’s teeth as well. By brushing your dog’s teeth, providing a healthy diet and plenty of chew toys it can help their oral hygiene.

Here are 10 steps to help your dog’s dental health! Also, don't forget The Bregman Vet Group offers different dental services for your pets! Call any of our locations today for more information! 

1. The Breath Test- A dog’s breath is not predominantly a fresh smell, but if the breathe is more offensive and you see the dog not eating, or excessive drinking or urinating, take the dog to the vet.
2. Lip Service- About once a week face your dog to you and lift the top lip and exam the gums. The gums should be pink, not white or red and should not have any swelling.  There should be no signs of brownish tartar and have clean teeth.
3. Signs of Oral Disease- If your dog have a problem with their mouth or gastrointestinal system, get them checked out by a veterinarian.  Bad Breath, Excessive drooling, inflamed gums, tumors in the gums, cysts under the tongue and loose teeth. All of these signs could be signs of an oral disease your dog could encounter.
4. The Lowdown on Tooth Decay- Regular teeth cleanings help prevent any bacteria and plaque that can cause builds up on a dog’s teeth. 
5. Canine Tooth- Brushing Kit- Ask your vet for toothpaste made just for dogs, human tooth paste should not be used on dogs, and it can cause upset stomach. Get a tooth brush just for dogs or wrap a clean piece of gauze around your finger. 
6. Brightening the Pearly Whites- In order for the tooth brushing process to be easier on you and the dog, first try to massage their lips with her finger in a circular motion to get them adjusted to the feeling. Once the dog feels comfortable start easing toothpaste on their lip to get used to the taste. The next thing to do after you have introduced the brush and toothpaste is to put it all together and gently start brushing the teeth.
7. Brushing Technique- To keep the dog still and not go crazy during this exercise, place the brush at a 45 degree angle and clean in a small circular motion. Work on one area at a time and don’t fight any areas they won’t let you do. Once the dog is adjusted to this process start to clean them 2-3 times a week.
8. Know Your Mouth Disorders- Know the types of mouth problems that are out there so if your dog may come across one you know to go a vet.  Look out for problems like, periodontal disease gingivitis, halitosis swollen gums, proliferating gum disease, mouth tumors, salivary cysts and canine distemper teeth. If you see any symptoms of these bring your canine to the vet.
9. Chew on This- Talk to your vet about what kind of chew toys are best for your dog, they can satisfy the dog’s natural instinct to chomp on something while making the teeth strong.
10. Diet for Healthy Teeth- Keep your dog on a particularly formulated dry food that can help slow down any tartar or plaque.

If you learn these tips and start to use them on your canine, you will help their oral hygiene and better their mouth! 

For more information on your dog’s health, CLICK HERE