When a puppy reaches three to four weeks of age, 28 temporary teeth start to become visible. Roughly three months later 42 permanent teeth begin to emerge.
Gum disease in dogs can include these symptoms: yellow and brown build-up of tartar along the gum line, inflamed gums and persistent bad breath.
A common problem experienced by dogs who spend considerable time outdoors is broken teeth, typically brought on byaggressive chewing on hard objects, such as commercially available cow hooves.
The American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) estimates that by three years of age nearly 80% of dogs will develop symptoms of oral disease.
Things to know about Cats and their Dental Needs
By the time a kitten is two to three weeks old it will begin growing and displaying 26 visible temporary teeth followed by 30 permanent teeth that erupt at about three to four months.
Symptoms of periodontal disease in cats may manifest itself through yellow and brown tartar buildup along the gum line, red inflamed gums, and persistent bad breath.
The most common dental problem for domestic cats involves resorptive lesions, with about 28 percent of domestic cats developing at least one such painful lesion during their lifetime.
The American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) estimates that by three years of age nearly 70% of cats will develop symptoms of oral disease.
Vet at the Barn is offering 15% off our regular fees for non-anesthetic dental prophylaxis exams and procedures throughout the month of February in recognition of National Pet Dental Health Month !
fax: 845-356-4307
February is National Pet Dental Health Month
How does oral disease develop and what should be done to treat and/or prevent it? Plaque formulations that accumulate on the tooth come from bacteria, combined with saliva and food debris between the tooth and gum. As bacteria multiplies and spreads in the plaque and as calcium salts are deposited, this plaque becomes tartar.
The most important factor in the development of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque which directly inflames periodontal tissues in a pet's mouth, eventually leading to destructive oral diease which when combined with the pet's immune response to oral disease produces symtpoms of poor health.
Without proper preventive (also known as prophylaxis) or therapeutic care, plaque and tartar buildup affects the tissues and structures supporting the teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause oral pain, dysfunction, tooth loss and systemic complications.
Tartar contributes to this oral disease progression due to its roughened surface, which enhances bacterial attachment and further plaque development, and also irritates gingival tissues.
What are the health problems accompanying periodontal diease?
From a dental standpoint, periodontal disease causes red, swollen and tender gums, receding gums, bleeding, pain and bad breath, and left untreated, may lead to tooth loss.
In addition, poor dental health may contribute to other serious health problems. The inflammation and infection associated with periodontal disease may damage other organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
How do I recognize the warning signs of oral disease ?
Common indications of oral disease include bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face or mouth and depression. If any of these signs are present, the pet should be taken to the veterinarian for a dental exam.
The good news is that pet owners can reduce the risk of oral disease by following the recommendations of the American Veterinary Dental Society:
The first step in preventing oral disease is a routine physical examination including a dental exam.
Pet owners are encouraged to follow a regular dental care regimen at home, including brushing the petīs teeth with specially formulated "pet" toothpaste. Start early in your pet's life, but regardless of how old your pet is at least commit yourself to getting involved as soon as possible!
Schedule regular follow-up care with your family veterinarian and ask about specially formulated foods with proven benefits in plaque and tartar removal.
Read more about Vet at the Barn's non-anesthetic dental prophylaxis clinicHERE.
