|
CANINE ORAL HYGIENE
|
|
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. 
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".
back to top
**********************
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.
**********************************
THE DENTAL CARE SERIES
Halitosis
(Bad Breath)
What is halitosis?
Halitosis, also called bad breath, is as an offensive odor
emanating from the oral cavity. Bad breath is a common presenting pet
odor complaint. Common causes may be related to the mouth or, rarely,
related to other health problems.
What causes halitosis?
The most common cause of halitosis is periodontal disease
caused by plaque (bacteria). Bacteria is attracted to the tooth surface
within hours of teeth cleaning. Within days, the plaque becomes mineralized
producing calculus. As plaque ages and gingivitis develops into periodontitis
(bone loss), bacteria changes from somewhat irritating strains to bone
destroying types that produce hydrogen sulfide causing halitosis.
Other causes include eating malodorous food; metabolic disease
(diabetes, uremia); respiratory disease (rhinitis, sinusitis, neoplasia);
gastrointestinal (megaesophagus, neoplasia, foreign body); dermatologic
(lip fold pyoderma); dietary (fetid foodstuffs, eating stool); non-periodontal
oral disease (orthodontic, pharyngitis, tonsilitis, neoplasia); foreign
bodies; trauma including electric cord injury; open fractures; caustic
agents; infectious agents including bacteria, fungi, and viruses; autoimmune
diseases; and eosinophilic granuloma complex.
What are the signs of halitosis?
Periodontal disease is painful. Some dogs and cats will have
problems chewing hard food, others will paw at their mouths. Unfortunately
most will not show any signs.
How is halitosis diagnosed?
Halitosis is easily diagnosed by smelling your dog or cats
breath. If there is a disagreeable odor, halitosis is present. A veterinary
examination is necessary to diagnose the specific cause of bad breath.
If the diagnosis is not obvious after oral examination, blood tests will
be taken to check for internal disease.
How is halitosis treated?
Halitosis treatment depends on the cause. There are four recognized
stages of periodontal disease. The first two (early gingivitis and
advanced gingivitis) are treated by professional teeth cleaning. As
the disease advances bone loss occurs causing periodontitis, which may
require surgery or tooth extraction.
Antibiotics may be used to destroy bacteria causing periodontal
disease and halitosis. Often the antibiotics are used in a pulse therapy
fashion (given the first 5 days of each month). Oral rinses containing
chlorhexidine are helpful.
Odor neutralization of hydrogen sulfide occurs with the use
of zinc citrate.
What is the prognosis for halitosis?
Once the underlying disease has been treated, halitosis will
disappear. If due to periodontal disease, daily tooth brushing will
help maintain good oral health and sweet breath.
Dr. Jan
Bellows is a board-certified veterinary dentist. His office, Hometown Animal
Hospital and Dental Clinic, is located at 17100 Royal Palm Boulevard in Weston,
Florida. He can be reached for consultations at 954-349-5800.
Date Published:
2/3/2003 5:41:00 PM
Date Reviewed/Revised:
04/25/2007
Copyright
2002, Veterinary Information Network, Inc. & Jan Bellows, D.V.M.
Dipl. AVDC
This work was originally published by Veterinary Information
Network, Inc. (VIN) and is republished with VIN's permission.
back to top
********************************
THE DENTAL CARE SERIES
Toothbrushing
and Dental Prophylaxis in Cats and Dogs
Why should I brush my dog's or cat's teeth?
Daily removal of plaque is the key to an oral hygiene program.
Unless your pet's teeth are brushed daily, plaque, which is an accumulation
of bacteria, will build up at the gum line. Eventually calculus forms,
further irritating the gums, and then infection progresses to loosen
and destroy the attachment of the tooth. In addition to loose teeth,
infection under the gumline can spread to the liver, kidneys, and heart.
How can I brush my animal's teeth?
It is usually a very easy and fun procedure. First pick a
soft-bristled, or finger toothbrush. Next, get toothpaste from your
veterinarian. Do not use human toothpaste because it has detergents that
should not be swallowed.
How often does my pet need to have teeth cleaned by the veterinarian?
It depends on the degree of plaque and tartar accumulation.
You need to examine your pet's teeth monthly. Look for an accumulation
of yellow or brown material at the area where the tooth meets the gumline
especially over the cheek teeth and canines.
Once you notice plaque or tartar accumulation, it is time
for a professional cleaning. Do not wait.
Attached to the tartar are bacteria, which irritate gum tissues.
When treated, the inflammation will resolve. When gingivitis is left
untreated, it will progress to periodontitis, which is non-curable.
The intervals between teeth cleaning procedures will depend
on how often you can brush your pet's teeth. Once or twice daily cleaning
is optimum. If you cannot brush the teeth, then your pet will probably
need two or three teeth cleaning visits yearly.
Can I just take my fingernail or a dental scaler to remove
the calculus?
Dental disease occurs below the gum line. By removing calculus
from the tooth, you are not removing disease below the gum line. In
order to thoroughly help your pet, plaque and calculus must be removed
from below the gum line.
Do you have to use anesthesia to clean my pet's teeth?
Anesthesia is necessary when performing teeth cleaning. Anesthesia
provides three important functions: immobilization in order to clean
below the gum line, pain control, and the ability to place a tube
into the windpipe, so bacterial products do not enter the respiratory
system.
I am concerned about the anesthesia. Is it safe?
We take every effort to provide safe anesthesia. We use gas
anesthetic agents; dogs and cats are given pre-operative tests depending
on their age and condition to qualify them for anesthesia; and patients
are monitored while anesthetized both visibly and with similar monitoring
devices as used in human hospitals.
What is involved in the teeth cleaning at your hospital?
Each Oral Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention (Oral ATP)
visit has twelve separate steps:
general exam before anesthesia, pre-operative organ testing
oral exam under anesthesia
gross calculus removal
subgingival (below the gumline) scaling, root planing, curettage
where indicated
tooth polishing
irrigation
fluoride / OraVet® application
post cleaning exam and dental x-rays to evaluate the areas
below the gum line
dental charting to create a treatment plan
therapy if necessary
home care instructions
no-fee follow up appointment to see how well you are performing
home care.
How much does a tooth cleaning procedure cost?
It is impossible to determine what the procedure will cost
because we do not know the status of your pet's teeth and gums. There
are four levels of teeth cleanings at our hospital. Fees are based
on severity plus costs for preoperative testing, anesthesia, necessary
therapy, and medication. Fees for all dental services are available
by e-mail or fax. The doctor or staff will provide an initial treatment
plan based on exam room findings and a follow up treatment plan with fees
after a tooth-by-tooth exam is conducted under anesthesia.
What is the best food for my pet?
Hard food will help remove plaque from teeth. There are special
diets specifically manufactured to help control plaque. Feeding the
special diets in conjunction with daily brushing is the best to keep
the teeth clean. Diet alone will not control plaque, but it will help.
What toys should I avoid to protect my pet's teeth?
Chewing on objects harder than teeth may lead to dental fractures.
Be especially careful with cow and horse hoofs. They commonly cause
fractures of the upper fourth premolars. Tug-of-war games must not
be practiced, especially in young dogs and cats in order to avoid moving
growing teeth to abnormal locations. Throwing dogs discs can also cause
trauma to the teeth, resulting in pulpitis (an inflammation of the pulp).
What are cat cavities?
Many cats get painful lesions at the gum line that invade
teeth. They are properly referred to as tooth resorptions. Unfortunately
we do not know what causes tooth resorption, and the most effective
treatment involves extraction of the affected tooth. Check to see if
your cat has an advanced resorption by pressing a cotton-tipped applicator
to the gum line. If a painful lesion is noted, your cat will chatter its
jaw.
How can I tell if my pet is suffering from periodontal
disease?
The leading sign is bad breath. Dogs and cats should not
have disagreeable mouth odor. Bad breath comes from infection. If
your pet's breath does not smell like roses, let us examine its mouth
and advise care.
What type of tests are done to diagnose dental disease?
If your pet has periodontal disease or a fractured tooth,
an oral exam is performed while under anesthesia. A periodontal probe
is used to evaluate bone loss around each tooth. X-rays are taken to
evaluate if the teeth can be saved or need to be extracted.
When do I have to start worrying about dental problems with
my pet?
As soon as puppy or kitten teeth emerge, it’s time to start
brushing. Although baby teeth are replaced with adult teeth, the puppy
or kitten gets used to the brushing procedure, which continues for life.
What can be done if my pet has periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease occurs when tooth support structures
are affected by infection. In the beginning stages, cleaning above
and below the gum line as well as removal of calculus attached to the
tooth will help restore periodontal health. In advanced cases, either
periodontal surgery or extractions are performed. Antibiotics given
monthly also help to control the progression of periodontal disease.
Which animals are at most risk for periodontal disease?
Smaller breeds are more prone than larger because the
teeth are closer together in small dogs, and they usually live longer.
Terriers, Maltese, and Shih Tzus are especially prone to periodontal
disease.
What can you do to fix a broken tooth?
If your dog or cat breaks a tooth, there are two treatments:
root canal therapy or extraction. You cannot leave the tooth alone
with an exposed nerve. In addition to pain, infection will soon develop
that can spread to the rest of your pet's body.
Dr.
Jan Bellows is a board-certified veterinary dentist. His office, Hometown
Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic, is located at 17100 Royal Palm Boulevard
in Weston, Florida. He can be reached for consultations at 954-349-5800.
date
Published: 6/14/2002 5:42:00 PM Date Reviewed/Revised: 04/26/2007
Copyright
2002, Veterinary Information Network, Inc. & Jan Bellows, D.V.M.
Dipl. AVDC
This work was originally published by Veterinary Information
Network, Inc. (VIN) and is republished with VIN's permission.
********************************
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.
back to top
************************
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
|
******************
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.
