Many of the dental disorders of dogs and cats are similar to those found in people. Treatment methods are also similar. Proper pet dental care can help keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy. Learning the terms your veterinarian uses to describe dental diseases will help you understand and discuss any dental problems your dog or cat may develop.
By Vancouver Animal Hospital veterinarians.
Gum Disease
Gum (periodontal) disease is inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth. It is caused by the accumulation of many different bacteria (plaque) at the gum line due – in part – to a lack of proper oral hygiene. This infection causes inflammation of the gums, the ligaments that anchor the teeth, and the surrounding bone. If periodontal disease goes untreated, teeth can be lost due to the loss of their supporting tissues. There are 2 forms of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis
In gingivitis, the gums become inflamed because of bacterial plaque, but the ligaments and bone are not yet affected. The gums change in color from coral-pink to red or purple, and the edge of the gum swells. The gums tend to bleed on contact. Bad breath is a common symptom. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper tooth cleaning but, if untreated, may lead to periodontitis.
A form of juvenile-onset gingivitis is seen in some cats or dogs at 6 to 8 months of age. Cats with this condition often have swollen gums and bed breath.
Gingivitis can usually be treated by thorough professional cleaning of the teeth. This includes cleaning below the gum line. If gingivitis does not improve, your dog or cat should be examined again to determine if more extensive cleaning is required.
When cleaning are completed, your veterinarian may apply a sealant to the teeth to prevent bacterial buildup and improve healing. Pets that do not respond to treatment should be evaluated for other diseases such as immune system problems, diabetes, and especially feline Bartonella infection in cats (cat scratch fever). Gingivitis will reoccur if the teeth are not kept clean and free of plaque.
Periodontitis
In periodontitis, the tissue damage is more severe and includes the gums, the ligaments, and bone. It usually is seen after the development of plaque, tartar, and gingivitis. It is irreversible and results in permanent loss of tooth support. Gingivitis is often first noticed at about 2 years of age but improves if treated, Periodontitis usually begins at 4 to 6 years of age and, if untreated, results in tooth loss. In some cats and dogs this disease can be seen as early as 1 year of age.
Periodontitis is treated with thorough professional cleaning above and below the gum line. If your cat or dog has been treated for periodontitis, you will need to continue oral hygiene care at home. Follow your veterinarian's instructions, which might include daily toothbrushing, dietary changes, plaque prevention gel, and oral rinses. Frequent (every 3 months to 1 yea) preventive cleaning will help to avoid relapse and prevent further bone loss.
Prevention
The most important point to remember is that gum disease rarely develops around clean teeth. At-home methods to keep your pet's teeth clean, such as toothbrushing and diet, along with regular dental examinations, are the best ways to help prevent gum disease. Your veterinarian might also apply a barrier sealant or recommend a plaque prevention gel.
We really appreciate all the help we are getting from Vancouver Animal Hospital in Dunbar Street and Vancouver Animal Hospital in Norgate veterinarians who continuously help us to prepare relevant material related to pet's health care.
By Vancouver Animal Hospital veterinarians.
Gum Disease
Gum (periodontal) disease is inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth. It is caused by the accumulation of many different bacteria (plaque) at the gum line due – in part – to a lack of proper oral hygiene. This infection causes inflammation of the gums, the ligaments that anchor the teeth, and the surrounding bone. If periodontal disease goes untreated, teeth can be lost due to the loss of their supporting tissues. There are 2 forms of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis
In gingivitis, the gums become inflamed because of bacterial plaque, but the ligaments and bone are not yet affected. The gums change in color from coral-pink to red or purple, and the edge of the gum swells. The gums tend to bleed on contact. Bad breath is a common symptom. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper tooth cleaning but, if untreated, may lead to periodontitis.
A form of juvenile-onset gingivitis is seen in some cats or dogs at 6 to 8 months of age. Cats with this condition often have swollen gums and bed breath.
Gingivitis can usually be treated by thorough professional cleaning of the teeth. This includes cleaning below the gum line. If gingivitis does not improve, your dog or cat should be examined again to determine if more extensive cleaning is required.
When cleaning are completed, your veterinarian may apply a sealant to the teeth to prevent bacterial buildup and improve healing. Pets that do not respond to treatment should be evaluated for other diseases such as immune system problems, diabetes, and especially feline Bartonella infection in cats (cat scratch fever). Gingivitis will reoccur if the teeth are not kept clean and free of plaque.
Periodontitis
In periodontitis, the tissue damage is more severe and includes the gums, the ligaments, and bone. It usually is seen after the development of plaque, tartar, and gingivitis. It is irreversible and results in permanent loss of tooth support. Gingivitis is often first noticed at about 2 years of age but improves if treated, Periodontitis usually begins at 4 to 6 years of age and, if untreated, results in tooth loss. In some cats and dogs this disease can be seen as early as 1 year of age.
Periodontitis is treated with thorough professional cleaning above and below the gum line. If your cat or dog has been treated for periodontitis, you will need to continue oral hygiene care at home. Follow your veterinarian's instructions, which might include daily toothbrushing, dietary changes, plaque prevention gel, and oral rinses. Frequent (every 3 months to 1 yea) preventive cleaning will help to avoid relapse and prevent further bone loss.
Prevention
The most important point to remember is that gum disease rarely develops around clean teeth. At-home methods to keep your pet's teeth clean, such as toothbrushing and diet, along with regular dental examinations, are the best ways to help prevent gum disease. Your veterinarian might also apply a barrier sealant or recommend a plaque prevention gel.
We really appreciate all the help we are getting from Vancouver Animal Hospital in Dunbar Street and Vancouver Animal Hospital in Norgate veterinarians who continuously help us to prepare relevant material related to pet's health care.
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