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Dental Care
Dental Health
Daily oral healthcare is very important for our pets, as debris solidifies into plaque within just 24 hours. If not removed, it can become calculus, causing Periodontal Disease (gum inflammation, infection at the gum line, and potentially leading to tooth detachment from the bone, pain, abscesses, and loose teeth). Here at KMAH, we work with our clients to determine which at-home dental care strategies will work best for your pets.
Periodontal Disease
Here’s something to think about…two-thirds of your pet’s teeth are below the gum line; imagine how long this has been going on without you knowing it. Your pet certainly can’t tell you they’re in pain, and most are masters of concealing it. Because of this, it’s not uncommon that we face mass removal of teeth due to significant disease that may not have been obvious to the naked eye.
Most dogs and cats will require veterinary dentals in order to keep their teeth as healthy as possible. These dental procedures are crucial for pets as they utilize tools like ultrasonic scalers and probes, similar to those used in human dentistry, to assess and treat periodontal disease above and below the gum line. X-rays of the entire mouth are taken during the procedure to identify issues, mirroring practices at a human dental office.
Effects on Heart, Kidneys, and Liver
The infection that causes the deterioration of the teeth and bone can eventually move into the bloodstream, where billions of bacteria must be filtered by the liver and kidneys. Constant clearing of a low-grade infection with no outward signs in your pet can result in an overwhelmed immune system.
Infections that spread to the liver, kidney, and heart can occur due to dental disease in our pets, much like it can in people. Overall damage to organ function makes it easier for bacteria to take hold and cause further damage and failure. By using dental cleaning procedures to eliminate the source of the infection, the plaque and calculus on teeth, we can help our pets live longer, healthier lives.
Dental Radiographs
Without question, dental radiographs are the best way to see what’s happening under the gum line. Teeth may look fine above the gum line, but below can be a different story. The ability to see below the gum line is invaluable as it can tell us what your pet can’t.
Kennesaw Mountain Animal Hospital preforms dental radiographs for every dental that we do. This allows us to know exactly which teeth need to be extracted and which teeth are healthy enough to remain.
Dental Disease Symptoms
If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule an exam. We can determine the problem and address it quickly, improving the prognosis for your loved one.
Signs of dental disease include, but are not limited to:
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Dropping food
- Sudden disinterest in chew toys
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen or painful face/jaw
- Pawing at the mouth
- Yellow/bruised appearing, broken, loose, or missing teeth
- Gums that are red, swollen, or bleeding
Kennesaw Mountain Animal Hospital’s team of experienced doctors can have your pet back to “smiling.” Let us provide the guidance you need to ensure a long, happy, pain-free life with your beloved pet.
