Healthy Teeth, Healthy Body
Your Pet's Dental Care
Regular dental care is an important part of a preventative care regimen for your pet as numerous diseases can either originate or be exacerbated by poor dental hygiene.
At Whitesburg Animal Hospital, we believe the foundation of a good preventative dental care plan is professional cleaning. We use modern and safe ultrasonic equipment to clean each tooth thoroughly. Dental technicians will polish the teeth to create a smooth tooth surface to better resist plaque buildup. Fluoride is applied to help strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity.
A regular dental cleaning will also include an examination by one of our doctors for pocket depth, tooth soundness, signs of fracture, and other indications of disease. When indicated, we can also perform Dental Digital Radiography. Radiographs assist in determining if the use of antibiotics or a more advanced procedure, such as extractions or root canals, is necessary.
Why Dental Care is Important: Dental Disease Progression
STAGE ONE: Mild Calculus and/or Gingivitis
At this stage your pet's mouth may appear healthy, but is beginning to display early signs of dental disease such as plaque or mild calculus accumulation on the tooth surface and/or inflammation and bleeding of the gums with no tooth mobility or attachment loss. To avoid dental disease from progressing, this is the perfect time to schedule a professional dental cleaning and begin a home dental hygiene program.
STAGE TWO: Moderate Calculus and/or Early Periodontitis
Moderate calculus, gingival recession and root pocket formation with up to 25% of root attachment loss are usually present at this stage. Your pet's mouth may be painful and you may begin to notice an odor. A professional dental cleaning, local antibiotics and home dental care can prevent this condition from becoming irreversible.
STAGE THREE: Moderate to Heavy Calculus and/or Moderate Periodontitis
By stage three, gingivitis has progressed and severe root pocket formation with 25-50% root attachment loss has occurred. Your pet's health and behavior can be affected. You may notice a change in appetite, eating behavior, drooling, pawing at the mouth, or even lethargy. Moderate to heavy calculus has formed and an odor is very noticeable. Periodontal pockets have formed and the gums are inflamed, bleeding, painful and being destroyed by infection. This infection can enter the pet's bloodstream and spread to vital organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys. This condition requires immediate attention to stabilize it and prevent it from progressing to stage four. A professional cleaning, dental radiographs, local antibiotics, supportive therapy including follow-up dental cleanings and home care are essential.
STAGE FOUR: Heavy Calculus and/or Advanced Periodontitis
At this advanced stage heavy calculus, severe inflammation, gum recession and bleeding, deep pockets, bone loss and tooth mobility is established. Bacterial infection is chronic and spreading throughout the entire body. Any symptoms displayed earlier will have likely worsened including any influence on the heart, liver or kidneys. In addition to a professional dental cleaning, dental radiographs, and local antibiotics, treatment may also include a synthetic bone graft and/or extractions. Post surgical supportive care, including frequent follow-up dental cleanings and diligent home care will be necessary in order to maintain oral stability.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
Dental care does not simply mean a visit to your veterinarian. Brushing your pet's teeth is an important part of home dental care. A staff member can show you the proper brushing method for your pet.