Recognise the signs of dental disease

Halitosis - smelly breath

Tooth discolouration - Caused by the build up of brown/yellow tartar

Gingivitis - Characterised by reddened and/or bleeding gums

Pain - Changed chewing or eating habits or pawing at the mouth

Behaviour - Chronic pain can result in subdued behaviour

Hyper-salivation - Pet drooling saliva

Tooth loss

If your cat or dog is displaying any of the above symptoms then j

Whether affecting dogs or cats, most oral health problems start with a build up of plaque, which if left untreated, hardens to form unsightly tartar (calculus).

Bad breath or halitosis associated with dental disease is due to a build up of bacteria creating an infection often described as gingivitis. At this stage the gum margin remains attached to the tooth.

Research indicates that by the time they reach two years of age, some 70% of cats and nearly 80% of dogs are already showing early signs of dental disease. If left untreated these early signs will progress and become irreversible.

A cat’s molar tooth showing gingivitis and some loss of gum attachment:

Raw, infected gums provide the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to enter the pet’s blood stream, potentially spreading to the vital organs, for example, the heart, liver or kidneys, causing disease in these parts of the body.

As the disease process progresses the infected gums recede exposing the root of the tooth. With moderate loss of gum attachment, survival of the tooth is in the balance and the effected animal will certainly be in pain every time it chews.

If veterinary advice is sought early then the process can be reversed and the teeth saved. However, if severe dental disease is allowed to develop, tooth loss is almost inevitable.

Factors that contribute to dental disease

Poor Oral Hygiene: If plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate, gingivitis and progressive periodontal disease are an inevitable consequence.

Food: Plaque accumulation occurs rapidly when feeding soft, sticky foods that adhere to the teeth.

Age The development of periodontal disease is an ongoing process and consequently is more common in older animals. Gradual abrasion and roughening of the enamel tooth surface that occurs with normal tooth wear and tear makes plaque and tartar build up more likely.

Breed Toy and brachycephalic (flattened nose) breeds of dog often have problems with overcrowded or misaligned teeth which predisposes to periodontal disease. Also certain cats, for example Abyssinian and Somali, may be more susceptible to dental problems.

Case study:

Meet Sally, a little terrier cross; at 7 years of age she has the looks and temperament to melt most hearts…

…but get close to those chops and it’s anything but kisses you want as you are met with her rather unfortunate doggy breath.

Examination of her mouth revealed a significant build up of plaque and tartar on her teeth. This in turn was triggering a nasty infection on her gums (gingivitis) that was responsible for the pong (halitosis).

Not to worry… we could soon sort out Sally’s problems and she was booked in for an anaesthetic and dental treatment the following day.

Though a little disgruntled because she hadn’t had any breakfast, Sally soon settled into her comfortable kennel. Gingivitis commonly allows bacteria into the blood stream affecting other organs and so we firstly needed to make sure that she was well enough to cope with her anaesthetic. Following a thorough veterinary examination, checking her heart and lungs we did ran couple of simple blood test in or own laboratory, making sure all was in order.

Biochemistry, haematology and electrolyte analysers

Satisfied that Sally was in good enough shape for her treatment we were all set to go with her anaesthetic.

Once asleep, the extent of plaque and tartar build up and resultant gingivitis was soon apparent.

Notice the yellow/brown tartar and dark red gum margins

Using an ultrasonic dental de-scaler, exactly the same as the one used by our own dentists, we were able to carefully break down and remove the tartar without damaging the gum or the enamel surfaces of the teeth.

Dog’s teeth have multiple tiny nooks and crannies and it is a painstaking task to make sure that it has all been shifted.

Once the tartar had been removed it was possible to asses the health of the tooth surfaces and the degree of gum recession.

Unfortunately, Sally’s lower right canine tooth was showing signs of advanced periodontal disease; the colour of the tooth had changed to a translucent white and its root was significantly exposed, not to mention that it was quite wobbly too!

Dead translucent canine tooth with severe gum recession

When the tooth was wiggled, pus squeezed up from the socket, a sure sign that the tooth had to come out. Using a special elevator to loosen any remaining attachment the offending canine was gently removed.