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DENTAL CARE

First the good news: Dogs seldom develop tooth cavities as do humans. However, the dog and cat are not without a major dental problem! In fact, the most common dental problem that we find in pets is considered far worse than cavities! It is called "Periodontal Disease". This disease affects the gums and other tissues around the teeth, instead of the teeth themselves.

About 75% of all dental problems serious enough to be seen by a veterinarian, (and almost all teeth lost), are the result of periodontal disease. It is the cause of 95% of all cases of "bad breath". In advanced cases, it results in infected, foul-smelling, loosened teeth; with a massive, unsightly accumulation of tartar. Often there is a loss of appetite due to painful gums. Even signs such as diarrhea, vomiting and irritability may be the result of this disease.

Food material, bacteria, and saliva accumulate and adhere to the tooth surface, forming a soft "plaque". This material can be easily removed at this point. However, if buildup is allowed to continue, it becomes hard and "chalk-like" from its mineral content. The tartar buildup causes erosion of the gums, with subsequent inflammation and infection of the tooth socket. The teeth then become loose, and may even fall out. The gums become reddened, swollen, and bleed easily. The pet often salivates excessively from the associated pain.

The buildup of this material allows bacteria to constantly grow in the infected mouth tissue. These bacteria may enter the bloodstream through the bleeding gums; and cause such problems as heart valve infections ("endocarditis"), and kidney infections ("nephritis"). It is also possible for humans to develop conjunctivitis ("eyelid infections") from hand contamination of a pet's "dirty" mouth.

This condition becomes very painful for your pet, as well as causing it to be unpleasant due to the bad mouth odor.

Rapid buildup of tartar is primarily due to acidity of the saliva - not what the pet eats! The more acid the saliva ("spit")-the quicker the buildup of plaque.

Follow these tips for good oral hygiene:

1. Feed at least some hard food which will provide a cleaning action.
Prescription Diet t/d. Hill's Pet Nutrition has now developed a diet helpful in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It has been formulated in such a way as to naturally "brush the teeth." We recommend it as the primary diet for all dogs. It is very palatable and can also be used as "treats." As a treat, you will find it much more economical than "dog treats" commercially available, as well as much more nutritious. Many of the commercial "treats" are high in salt, protein, or other things harmful to the long-term quality of life for the pet.

2. Have teeth examined at least once every year for tartar buildup!
Twice each year after five years of age. Pets vary considerably in the amount of tartar that accumulates.

3. Rub teeth and gums with a prescribed pet dentifrice once daily.
A prescribed dentifrice especially formulated for pets is a necessity. Do not use human toothpaste which is made to be spit out, not swallowed.

Proper dental care can add two years to the life of your pet!