Lack of preventive care at root of pet dental problems

Almost every day, it seems, I am asked this question: “Doc, why does my pet’s breath smell so weird?”

#For starters, our pets enjoy munching on and eating more than just their share of pet food. But beyond that, imagine going through years of your life without brushing your teeth, flossing your gums or going to the dentist for a checkup. That is such a foreign concept for us; so why is it any different for our pets?

#For many years, there was a lack of knowledge about the importance of preventive dental care for pets. Now, unfortunately, we as veterinarians often treat periodontal (dental) and gingival disease once it has progressed to the point where there are clinical signs. We now know that gingivitis, root furcation exposure, teeth mobility, malodorous breath, and tooth root abscessation can be prevented and treated early when both the owner and veterinarian work as a team.

#The first step of preventive care is at-home monitoring of the teeth and gingival tissue. This should start when your pet is a young puppy or kitten. Using positive reinforcement and desensitization techniques at this age teaches them that having their teeth examined is not a scary thing. Each time you examine their teeth, they get a healthful treat. For those owners who rescue older pets, this technique is still applicable, and even more important to implement.

#Certain breeds are more prone to developing dental disease earlier in life. These include small-breed dogs, cats and brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds. This is in part due to the fact that they have all of those big teeth in such a tiny space.

#Having close-neighboring teeth and often being fed canned food cause these animals’ teeth to collect tartar much more quickly. Once tartar begins to appear, annual dental prophylactic cleanings are recommended to decrease the likelihood of disease traveling below the gum line. (See the diagram at above right.)

#The second step is an oral examination during your pet’s annual comprehensive wellness appointment. The veterinarian will make recommendations based on the pet’s history, what the owner is seeing at home, and their clinical findings. Often, this recommendation is for a dental cleaning to either treat or prevent further dental disease. Ideally, no extractions would be necessary and the dental cleaning would be just that — a cleaning.

#However, there often is disease below the gum line that we are unable to visualize without sedation or oral radiographs. Preoperative blood work is critical in making sure the patient is stable for anesthesia, and it also can help catch systemic disease early. Noticing early changes in blood work can help expedite treatment of chronic disease and lessen its progression, ultimately providing a better quality of life for the pet.

#Dental disease can also spread bacteria to other parts of the body, including heart valves and kidneys. If dental disease has progressed, preoperative antibiotics and NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) medications may be prescribed. I personally strongly advocate for intravenous catheter and fluids during the procedure and recovery as well. These help provide the pets with the best medicine possible.

#If extractions are necessary, dental numbing blocks are administered and the teeth are removed with great care. Often, pets are required to eat soft food for a few days following the procedure to give the gingival tissue time to heal.

#At-home care following a dental cleaning is important in preventing its recurrence. Treats and diets designed to promote dental cleaning may be recommended, depending on your pet’s needs. Teaching your pet to allow you to brush its teeth is equally important because it prevents that thickened biofilm from adhering to the teeth.

#There are many steps to providing the best dental care for your pets, but they are readily accomplished when owners and veterinarians work together.

Source: http://union-bulletin.com/news/2015/nov/10/column-lack-preventive-care-root-pet-dental-proble/

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