Pepper
02-09-2005, 02:00 PM
MARION -- The terms "doggy breath" and "kitty breath" may be humorous, but the underlying cause of bad breath is not.
February is National Pet Dental Health Month and veterinarians and animal advocacy groups are using the opportunity to draw attention to the needs of companion animals.
"For over-all good health, dental care is important to your pet," Marion veterinarian James Parker said. "Bacteria in the mouth can be spread throughout the animals body if teeth and gums are not properly cared for."
The cause of gum disease is the same in cats and dogs as it is in people. Gum disease is an infection resulting from build-up of soft dental plaque on the surfaces of the teeth around the gums. Bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gum tissue if plaque is allowed to accumulate, which often leads to infection in the bone surrounding the teeth.
Hard dental tartar consists of calcium salts from saliva deposited on plaque. Tartar starts to form within a few days on a tooth surface that is not kept clean, and provides a rough surface that enhances further plaque accumulation. Once it has begun to grow in thickness, tartar is difficult to remove without dental instruments.
Bad breath is the most common symptom noted by owners. However, this is often only the tip of the iceberg.
The gums become irritated, leading to bleeding and oral pain, and your cat or dog may lose its appetite or drop food from its mouth while eating.
The roots may become so severely affected that some teeth become loose and fall out.
Bacteria surrounding the roots gain access to the blood stream causing bacteremia. A study has shown that dogs with severe periodontal disease have more severe microscopic damage in their kidneys, heart muscle and liver than do dogs with less severe periodontal disease.
The key to the managing of gum disease is the same in animals as it is in humans -- prevention. As long as the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned frequently, the gums will stay healthy.
Good oral health is maintained by daily oral hygiene, whether by brushing or by chewing.
A good dental regimen is to take your pet to the veterinarian for a dental exam at least once a year. Exams will allow the veterinarian to identify whether or not your pet may have a problem with its teeth.
If your pet will allow it, open its mouth and look inside. Look for the warning signs of gum disease - bad breath, red and swollen gums, a yellow-brown crust of tartar around the gum line, and pain or bleeding when you touch the gums or mouth. Seek veterinary care immediately if you notice any of these problems.
To maintain good oral hygiene, your veterinarian can also suggest steps that may include brushing your pet's teeth.
A complete home dental care program for your pet often will include both regular brushing and proper, nutritional food.
At first, the idea of brushing your pet's teeth may seem odd, but it can be done with relative ease if approached correctly.
First of all, introduce a brushing program to your pet gradually. Avoid over-restraining your pet and keep brushing sessions short and positive. A cat or small dog can be held in your lap. Praise and reassure your pet throughout the process.
At first, dip a finger into beef bouillon for dogs or tuna water for cats. Rub the soaked finger gently over the pet's mouth and teeth. Make the initial sessions short and positive.
Gradually, introduce gauze over the finger and gently scrub the teeth in a circular motion.
Finally, you can introduce a soft toothbrush designed for pets. Use a sensitive or ultra-soft brush designed for people or a brush designed for pets. Special pet toothbrushes are available from your veterinarian or specialty pet store. Don't use toothpaste designed for people because it could upset the animal's stomach.
One of the most convenient and effective ways to combat oral disease is feeding specially formulated foods proven effective in combating plaque and tartar buildup.
Avoid feeding pets table scraps because they can increase the build up of plaque and tartar, and can lead to other health problems.
Feed your pet a nutritionally balanced food. There are specially formulated pet foods with dental benefits for dogs and cats. This food is available through veterinarians and can help reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar.
"Veterinarians now have a clear sealant that can be put on the pet's teeth after a thorough cleaning," Parker said. "The sealant should increase the length of time between professional cleaning."
http://www.mariondaily.com/articles/2005/02/09/local_news/news05.txt
February is National Pet Dental Health Month and veterinarians and animal advocacy groups are using the opportunity to draw attention to the needs of companion animals.
"For over-all good health, dental care is important to your pet," Marion veterinarian James Parker said. "Bacteria in the mouth can be spread throughout the animals body if teeth and gums are not properly cared for."
The cause of gum disease is the same in cats and dogs as it is in people. Gum disease is an infection resulting from build-up of soft dental plaque on the surfaces of the teeth around the gums. Bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gum tissue if plaque is allowed to accumulate, which often leads to infection in the bone surrounding the teeth.
Hard dental tartar consists of calcium salts from saliva deposited on plaque. Tartar starts to form within a few days on a tooth surface that is not kept clean, and provides a rough surface that enhances further plaque accumulation. Once it has begun to grow in thickness, tartar is difficult to remove without dental instruments.
Bad breath is the most common symptom noted by owners. However, this is often only the tip of the iceberg.
The gums become irritated, leading to bleeding and oral pain, and your cat or dog may lose its appetite or drop food from its mouth while eating.
The roots may become so severely affected that some teeth become loose and fall out.
Bacteria surrounding the roots gain access to the blood stream causing bacteremia. A study has shown that dogs with severe periodontal disease have more severe microscopic damage in their kidneys, heart muscle and liver than do dogs with less severe periodontal disease.
The key to the managing of gum disease is the same in animals as it is in humans -- prevention. As long as the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned frequently, the gums will stay healthy.
Good oral health is maintained by daily oral hygiene, whether by brushing or by chewing.
A good dental regimen is to take your pet to the veterinarian for a dental exam at least once a year. Exams will allow the veterinarian to identify whether or not your pet may have a problem with its teeth.
If your pet will allow it, open its mouth and look inside. Look for the warning signs of gum disease - bad breath, red and swollen gums, a yellow-brown crust of tartar around the gum line, and pain or bleeding when you touch the gums or mouth. Seek veterinary care immediately if you notice any of these problems.
To maintain good oral hygiene, your veterinarian can also suggest steps that may include brushing your pet's teeth.
A complete home dental care program for your pet often will include both regular brushing and proper, nutritional food.
At first, the idea of brushing your pet's teeth may seem odd, but it can be done with relative ease if approached correctly.
First of all, introduce a brushing program to your pet gradually. Avoid over-restraining your pet and keep brushing sessions short and positive. A cat or small dog can be held in your lap. Praise and reassure your pet throughout the process.
At first, dip a finger into beef bouillon for dogs or tuna water for cats. Rub the soaked finger gently over the pet's mouth and teeth. Make the initial sessions short and positive.
Gradually, introduce gauze over the finger and gently scrub the teeth in a circular motion.
Finally, you can introduce a soft toothbrush designed for pets. Use a sensitive or ultra-soft brush designed for people or a brush designed for pets. Special pet toothbrushes are available from your veterinarian or specialty pet store. Don't use toothpaste designed for people because it could upset the animal's stomach.
One of the most convenient and effective ways to combat oral disease is feeding specially formulated foods proven effective in combating plaque and tartar buildup.
Avoid feeding pets table scraps because they can increase the build up of plaque and tartar, and can lead to other health problems.
Feed your pet a nutritionally balanced food. There are specially formulated pet foods with dental benefits for dogs and cats. This food is available through veterinarians and can help reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar.
"Veterinarians now have a clear sealant that can be put on the pet's teeth after a thorough cleaning," Parker said. "The sealant should increase the length of time between professional cleaning."
http://www.mariondaily.com/articles/2005/02/09/local_news/news05.txt