Dental disease, specifically
periodontal
disease,
is the most
common
ailment
affecting pet dogs and cats. The amount and severity of
dental
disease
in our pets can be very surprising. The recognition and treatment of
dental disease is all-to-often overlooked by veterinarians and pet
owners alike. Most veterinary schools have yet to recognize the
importance teaching about
oral
health
in the education of veterinarians and technicians. It may require the
combined efforts of pet owners and enlightened veterinarians to
recognize the signs of dental disease in our pets.
Halitosis, or
bad
breath, is the most
common sign of oral disease. Classic "doggy breath" is not necessarily
normal. The major cause of halitosis is periodontal disease. This is an
infection of the gums and potentially the other supporting structures of
the teeth. Plaque builds up every day on the tooth surface including at
the gum line.
Left in place, the plaque can mineralize, or
harden, in less than 2 days, forming calculus or tartar. The tartar will
stick to the tooth surface forming a scaffold for more plaque
accumulation. The continued build-up of tartar both above and below the
gum line can eventually produce an environment that is a haven for
certain types of bacteria that may be more destructive to the
periodontal
tissues and also produce a more noticeable odor.
The most obvious visual clue to dental disease is the build up of the
tartar on the tooth surface. A much more subtle clue to dental disease
is the change in the normal gum lines. Every tooth has a bulge just
where the normal, healthy gum meets the tooth. This bulge is normally
not a straight line for most teeth. This means that we should see a
slight wave of gums along the outside of normal, healthy teeth. If the
gums are straight along the tooth, either
gingivitis,
or inflammation of the gums, or gingival recession, or loss of the
normal gum height, is present.
Gingivitis
is reversible, as the inflammation will go away once the cause of the
inflammation is addressed. Plaque along the gum line is easily the most
common cause of gingivitis. Once the gingiva, or gums, begin to be lost,
periodontal disease is present. As in humans, gingival recession is
permanent. With gum loss, comes exposure of the root surface of the
tooth. The root surface is rougher than the crown of the tooth and is
therefore more likely to attract plaque.
In dogs, however, gum loss has even more serious repercussions than in
humans. The area between the roots of teeth with more than one root is
called the furcation. The furcation is much closer to the normal gum
line in the teeth of dogs. A seemingly small amount of gum loss can
cause exposure of the root surface and perhaps even this furcation area,
providing even more surface for plaque and tartar on which to adhere.
What looks like a black spot along the gum line of a tooth is much more
likely to be exposed furcation than a "cavity." Dogs get caries, or
"cavities," much less commonly than do humans. Visualization of the
actual bulge or even the exposed furcation area of a tooth is evidence
of fairly significant periodontal disease. As more of the gums and bone
supporting the teeth are lost, the more likely loss of teeth. Noting one
of the more severe signs of dental disease, loosening of the teeth, may
also be tricky unless one knows to look for it.
There are other signs of dental disease in your pet that may be more
subtle:
- Dogs may preferentially choose
softer foods, play with chew toys less and decline crunchy treats.
- You may notice your pet chewing more on
side of his mouth.
- He may chew less in general and this
sometimes causes the dog to vomit, seen as undigested, poorly chewed
food.
- Increased salivation, pawing at or rubbing
the face can be indications of oral pain.
It is important to realize that some periodontal disease may not be
visible to even the most experienced observer. Sometimes the bone around
the teeth is lost faster than, or even without, gum loss. A complete
periodontal examination, including dental X-rays, is necessary to
uncover all types of periodontal disease.
Such a comprehensive dental examination requires anesthesia. Larger
breeds usually require once-a-year dental exams; smaller breeds twice a
year. Complete exams are important to maintaining good dental health.
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