DENTAL HYGIENE

PERIDONTAL DISEASE IS A MAJOR HEALTH RISK FOR YOUR PET!

• It is the most common disease in small animal practice.
• It is PAINFUL. Most frequently, pets with oral pain "suffer in silence".
• It is PREVENTABLE (the term for prevention is "prophylaxis").
• Treatment is a catch-up game to get problems under control when there may already be permanent damage to the oral cavity or internal organs.

Pets with routine dental care typically live longer and healthier lives. Pets with dental disease constantly release bacteria from their mouth into their bloodstream (i.e. bacteremia), resulting in inflammatory changes in the heart, liver, and kidney tissue in an otherwise healthy animal. This problem may be exacerbated in pets that already have other existing disease.

• Gingivitis: inflammation of the gingival (i.e. gum line) only.
• Periodontitis: inflammation and disease of all the structures that support the teeth.
• Plaque: a "biofilm" consisting of 80% bacteria and bacterial toxins, 20% cellular debris and food remnants. It is plaque (especially below the gum line) that causes gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Calculus (i.e. tartar): is mineralized plaque that cannot be brushed off.

Dr. Diffey may give you a dental report for your pet at his/her examination.
This is to help you understand what level of dental disease your pet has and what treatment is necessary to minimize progression of oral discomfort and disease:

No sign of plaque or calculus.

Only home care needed to take care of these healthy teeth and gums! Brushing your pet's teeth regularly (3-4 times per week) is ideal. There are also products available to help make home dental care easier if brushing is not an option.

STAGE 1 - Mild gingivitis

The margin of attached gum is inflamed and swollen. Plaque covers the teeth. Home dental care is needed. If there is no improvement, dental cleaning is needed with the next year to remove current plaque buildup.

STAGE 2 - Moderate Gingivitis

The entire gum line is inflammed and swollen.. The mouth is painful and odor is noticeable. Dental cleaning to remove calculus is needed within the next month. A calculus control diet and/or home dental care are needed afterward for prevention.



STAGE 3 - Severe Gingivitis

The gums are cherry red and bleeding - they are damaged by infection and calculus. A sore mouth and bad breath are evident. Dental cleaning to remove calculus is needed immediately. A calculus control diet and/or home dental care are needed afterward to prevent reoccurence.



STAGE 4 -

Chronic infection is destroying the gums, teeth, and bone. Bacteria are spreading through the body via the bloodstream and may damage kidneys, liver, and heart. Dental cleaning to remove calculus is needed immediately. Some teeth may be loose and need extraction. Home dental care afterward is necessary for future prevention.



Heavy tartar buildup, infection, and even tooth loss can now be greatly reduced conveniently.

Now there is no need to feel guilty if you are not able to (or your pet will not let you) brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis.

This new advancement in dental hygiene can prevent animal loss of teeth while at the same time saving you hundreds of dollars from advanced periodontal disease or other internal organ disease. The Porphyromonas vaccine aids in the prevention of canine periodontitis as demonstrated by a reduction of bone changes. Periodontitis, the most common bacterial infection in dogs, can lead to long-term effects such as tooth loss if left untreated. When used as part of a complete dental care program, you can be confident knowing ou are providing the best care for your dog.