oralhygene

CANINE ORAL HYGIENE

Brush your dog's teeth daily . Tooth brushing helps eliminate tooth decay and helps prevent gum disease and tooth loss. Brushing regularly will also allow you to notice mouth and tongue ulcers early on. Note any increase in "doggy breath." Dogs have their natural smells and dog food can linger on their breath, but a change in breath to the point that it becomes strong or offensive can signal various illnesses.

Oral Hygiene and Your Dogs Health
What are Nylabones?

ORAL HYGIENE AND YOUR DOG’S HEALTH
This article by Dr. Dunn
http://www.thepetcenter.com
appeared in August, 2002, Dog World Magazine

It’s a fact. Most dog owners never take a good look inside their dog’s mouth. And that’s unfortunate because it is estimated that over 80 percent have significant oral pathology. Every day veterinarians are presented with patients for routine vaccinations or other minor afflictions whose oral health status is truly cause for alarm. Upon displaying the dog’s loose teeth, sore and infected gums, and rotting tooth sockets to the dog’s owner, the response usually is one of surprise and shock.

“Well, she does seem to have bad breath, Doctor” is the usual reply. “But I’m sure at her age she can’t have anything done now”. My response is that the continual presence of bacteria and their associated toxins have a daily impact on the dog’s health; anything we can do to change that for the better is appropriate. Privately I’m thinking “How would you like that pathology going on in your mouth?”

Partly because the mouth is warm, moist and has significant nutrients present for organisms to grow on, the oral cavity of dogs is a perfect incubator for all kinds of bacteria. Most are normal and natural but once plaque and calculus form on the teeth the normal microbial flora gets out of balance and if pathogenic organisms proliferate, trouble ensues. Far too often veterinarians discover during the physical exam that their canine subject has a foul odor to the breath as a result of generalized periodontitis. But foul breath is a mere shadow of a much more insidious disease process. To help understand the topic of oral hygiene let’s take a look at a few basic definitions below:

DEFINITONS
CLICK ON AN IMAGE TO SEE CLOSE-UP
Gingivitis… means an inflammation of the gums.
Periodontitis… a general term for a disease of the oral cavity that attacks the gum and bone and delicate tissues around the teeth.
Pyorrhea… inflammation of the gums and tooth sockets, often leading to loosening of the teeth and accompanied by pus.
Caries… an area of decalcification of the tooth enamel leading to cavities in the tooth. Caries are very rare in dogs.
Plaque… is the first buildup of material adhering to the enamel of the tooth and is composed of a mixed colony of bacteria in an intercellular matrix of bacteria, salivary polymers, remnants of epithelial cells and white blood cells. It can cause caries, calculi buildup and periodontal disease.
Calculus (Tartar)… is calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate combined with organic material, deposited on the surface of the tooth.

ORIGIN OF PERIODONTITIS
Generalized periodontitis seems more common in small breeds of dogs, with Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers leading the pack. Certain conditions in the mouth such as acid/alkali balance, numbers and types of bacteria, amount of physical abrasion over the teeth surfaces and gingival strength all must be in balance for optimal oral health to be present. David Jones, DVM, Resident in Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, comments on how poor oral hygiene affects the dog. ohpetro1

He says “People that have gingivitis and periodontitis report that it is painful. Unfortunately with the majority of dogs neglect is the norm when it comes to the health of the mouth. When dogs are presented for a dental cleaning, often they have substantial gingivitis and periodontitis, and almost certainly have been enduring significant discomfort or pain. Even if the effects of gingivitis and periodontitis in dogs are limited to pain and discomfort it represents an unnecessary deterioration in the quality of life of man’s best friends.”

Teeth actually need to be exercised! Pressure on and movement of the teeth help to strengthen the microscopic fibrils, called Sharpeys’ Fibers, that hold the teeth in place in the alveolus (socket). In the dog that gets plenty of “dental exercise” by chewing on hard food or such items as rawhide or chew toys, the teeth and surrounding tissues are mildly stressed; this in turn prompts regeneration of healthy new tissues. Plus, the simultaneous physical abrasion against the teeth scrapes away early plaque that is forming nearly all the time. Get rid of this early plaque and subsequent calculus simply has no chance to form. Calculus buildup creates gumline recession and provides pockets for pus accumulation. Pyorrhea results and foul breath odor is the signal that something is wrong.

If the teeth do little work and there is gum line recession, bacteria begin to invade the space between the tooth and gum. Eventually, contamination reaches the delicate Sharpeys fibers and the connections between the teeth and bone are broken. This allows the teeth to loosen, permitting even further organic material and bacteria into the tissues. A vicious cycle of tissue breakdown and infection can plague the dog the rest of its life.

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF POOR ORAL HYGIENE
I asked a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College, Jan Bellows DVM, of Hometown Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic in Weston, Florida, about the adverse health impact chronic periodontal disease can have on a dog. He responded, "The toxins from periodontal disease are absorbed into the dog's blood stream. As the kidneys, liver, and brain filter the blood, small infections occur causing permanent and at times fatal organ damage. After periodontal disease is treated, and the owners give proper home care, most dogs respond wonderfully due to the decreased pain and infection.”

The adverse effects of periodontal disease are due in part, as Dr. Bellows states, to the toxins the bacteria secrete and the damage these toxins cause to delicate kidney, cardiac, and brain tissue. As well, many veterinarians believe that actual bacterial colonies can spread via the circulation and set up housekeeping within the animal’s tissues, commonly in the heart valve areas, kidneys and liver. Far better than extracting teeth, performing gingival flaps, filling erosions or doing root canal procedures, would be to prevent the health damaging periodontal disease in the first place.

One of the best ways to assist with proper oral health is to brush the dog's teeth as often as practical. For all kinds of dental health care products, visit PetFoodDirect.com

VETERINARY DENTISTRY

Since most dogs presented with advanced periodontitis are older canines, owner concern regarding the safety of dental procedures always seems to be an impediment to performing dental procedures, especially since anesthesia is an important aspect of a thorough dental cleaning. Dr. Jones states, “Age is not a disease, and senior citizen dogs that are otherwise healthy are generally able to tolerate anesthesia for an elective procedure. Even though anesthesia safety will continue to improve, there will never be a time when there is no risk. The question is really whether the level of risk is appropriately measured against the damage to the dog’s quality of life if it does not have a dental procedure.”

Dr. Jones also points out that in modern veterinary practices the anesthetics utilized are markedly safer than those used 15 or 20 years ago and patient monitoring during anesthesia has become quite sophisticated. The use of intravenous fluids during the procedure, warmed surgical surfaces to keep the patient’s body temperature stable, and preanesthetic blood chemistry evaluation all improve the opportunity for the patient to benefit from the dental procedure.

PREVENTION
One of the best ways to insure optimum oral health is to provide the dog with a well-balanced, meat-based dog food. Meat assists in keeping the mouth environment healthy. Actively encouraging the dog to utilize chew treats that require some “exercising” of the teeth, such as is provided by compressed rawhide chewies, hard rubber or nylon chew toys, can assist in keeping the mouth structures vital. Brushing the dog’s teeth can be a big help, too, but needs to be done almost daily. One study reported in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, December, 1996, states “Tooth-brushing every other day did not maintain clinically healthy gingiva in dogs. The daily addition of a dental hygiene chew to a regimen of tooth brushing every other day reduced the gingivitis scores and reduced the accumulation of dental deposits (plaque, calculus and stain). Daily tooth-brushing should be the recommendation to the dog owner irrespective of dietary regimen”.

Newer dental care products that include antiseptic impregnated chewies, canine appropriate tooth brushes, and even flavored tooth pastes to “reward” the dog for allowing the brushing, are available online, in any pet supply store or veterinary hospital. Highly rewarding, too, would be routine oral hygiene visits where under light anesthesia the patient can undergo ultrasonic teeth cleaning, close inspection of teeth and gingiva, and assessment of overall oral health. Addressing problems when they are minor and preventing the health damaging effects of bacterial contamination and systemic toxin release are immeasurably beneficial to the dog’s long-term health status.

The increase in number of Specialists in Veterinary Dentistry such as Dr. Bellows attests to the fact that we dog owners need to pay closer attention to our dog’s oral health status. And that begins with the simple task of looking closely at the dog’s mouth. Dr. Bellows sums up the need for optimum oral health throughout a dog’s life by stating, “When a client asks me how long their puppy will live, I usually respond 15-17 years if you brush their teeth daily, 11-13 years if you don't".

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My Dog Has Halitosis!

by Sheri Huttner

Ahhh, there's nothing like sweet little puppy kisses being planted all over your face. But, is Poochie's breath bad enough to knock you out?

The care of your dog's teeth should begin the day you get him, not when problems develop. Certain breeds, particularly the smaller ones, are prone to dental problems, so extra preventative care should be taken.

Giving your puppy hard biscuits such as MilkBone is a good start. Many companies make similar biscuits, so your dog can have a nice variety. Hard chew toys, such as Nylabone are great, too. The important thing is to get the dog into the habit of chewing on something hard which will act as a "toothbrush" to keep the teeth strong and free of tartar.

The food you feed your dog can play an important part in your dog's dental health, as well. I have always fed my dogs dry food with an occasional can of food as a treat. Never mix dry and canned food, as that defeats the purpose by turning the dry food soft. My motto: Feed your dog mush and his teeth will turn to mush. In fact, one of the reasons the smaller breeds often have dental problems is because owners tend to feed them canned food, feeling they are "pampering" them.

Pet shops sell teeth brushing kits for dogs. Do they work?
Well, it can't hurt, and if you begin a tooth brushing regime when the dog is young...before tartar develops, it certainly can help prevent future problems. Once tartar develops, brushing won't have much effect. At that point, it's time to take the dog to the vet.

Many of my dog grooming clients ask me if I can clean their dog's teeth. Teeth cleaning requires that the dog be heavily sedated. It also requires special tools, the same as your own dentist would use. Only a veterinarian has the expertise to do this. When you bring your dog to the vet for his regular visits, he should always examine the dog's teeth and gums. In between visits, you should periodically check the dog's mouth for signs of tartar. The first thing most people usually notice is bad doggie breath. By then, the tartar is at an advanced stage, sometimes so bad that teeth must be extracted.

When looking in your dog's mouth, look for green and or brown stains, or a crust-like matter on the teeth. If you see visible signs of tartar, swelling or discoloration of the gums, or anything that doesn't look quite right, make an appointment with your vet. Poor dental hygiene can lead to infection and other more serious health problems for your pets.

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What Are Nylabones?

Nylabones are made from pure virgin nylon, which makes them stronger and more durable than Gumabone. In fact, the Nylabone® Galileo Bone® is the World's Strongest Dog Bone!

Nylabones are unique therapeutic devices designed to satisfy the chewing instinct of aggressive chewing dogs; safer than other dog chews; will not splinter or break off in chunks; endorsed by leading dog authorities; and their natural flavor enhancement makes these products irresistible to dogs!
Nylabones are safe for puppies too!

All Nylabone® Products are safe, non-toxic and will provide your dog with hours of chewing enjoyment!

Nylabone® Edibles® are "All-natural gourmet health chews" and contain NO PLASTIC, no added salt, sugar, preservatives, or artificial colors. Nylabone® Edibles® come in an assortment of natural flavors made with REAL bacon, rawhide, spearmint, and fruits. All are made from 100% natural ingredients!

Regular chewing of Nylabone® products greatly reduces tartar and plaque build-up in your dog's mouth in a safe and healthy way. Nylabone® makes a wide range of dog chews, so it is easy to find a number of items that are just right for your dog. Choosing the correct dog chew for your dog is very important. Pet chews should be purchased with the same foresight as used for children's toys. Dogs come in a variety of sizes and have different temperaments and chewing habits.

Purchase Nylabones Here

Nylabone Warning

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Dental Kong
	The dental Kong's grooves gently massage dog gums and help to reduce plaque on your dog. This medium size version has a cotton flossing rope - great for tugging and interactive play for your dog.
purchase here www.mangomutt.co.uk

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The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.