"More than 85% of dogs & cats older than 4 years of age have dental disease"
Dr. Kelton
Newmarket Veterinarian
Animal and Veterinary Dentistry 101
Dentistry for Dogs and Cats in Newmarket, York Region & Toronto Ontario
Q. What are the signs of dental disease?
The most common signs are:
- Bad breath
- Red gums
- Staining and tartar on teeth
- Drooling
- Decreased appetite
- Dropping food
- Eating on one side of the mouth
Q. I’ve had many pets over the years, and dental problems didn’t seem to be an issue. Why has dental disease in pets become such a concern?
The thought that dental disease is a “new” thing in pets is a common misconception. Pets have always had dental disease, but it has unfortunately been one of the most overlooked pet health issues. In fact, more than 85% of dogs and cats older than 4 years of age have dental disease. The problem is that many pets suffer in silence until the dental disease is quite advanced. Owners’ awareness of dental disease has increased as more pets are living indoors, living longer, and living closer with their owners. (It is hard to ignore the dental problems of a pet when it sleeps on your pillow).
Q. Why should I worry about my pet’s teeth?
Besides the unpleasantness of bad breath, dental disease is a constant drain on your pet’s immune system that causes premature aging. It can lead to chronic cough from tonsil and throat infections and can cause both lung and sinus disorders. Infection in the mouth may also be picked up by the bloodstream and spread elsewhere in the body, most commonly to the heart and kidneys. Because animals often suffer in silence with dental pain, problems can be easily missed until the teeth are rotten and abscessed, requiring major dental work. The Veterinarians at North Yonge Veterinary Hospital in Newmarket recommend a dental exam as an important part of your pet’s yearly check-up.
Q. My pet already has a serious tarter build-up – what can I do?
At this point your pet needs a general anesthetic and a thorough dental cleaning. If the problem is ignored, it will result in periodontal disease, infected, rotting teeth, possible organ damage, and a decreased lifespan.
Having the teeth cleaned (dental prophylaxis) is a time-consuming procedure, usually taking between 30 and 60 minutes. It takes longer with animals than people because of the amount of tarter and staining that has usually been allowed to accumulate.
A general anesthetic is required to safely perform a proper cleaning. The teeth are cleaned above and below the gum line, and the teeth are polished to make it less likely that plaque will stick.
Cleaning a pet’s teeth is not a one-time procedure that corrects all dental problems. It is important to consider the different options for home care, to help keep these newly-polished teeth clean as long as possible. Even so, many pets will require dental prophylaxis at regular intervals, varying from 6 months to every couple years. The more that can be done at home, the longer the interval between teeth cleaning and the better the chances are that your pet will keep his or her teeth into old age.
North Yonge Veterinary Hospital in Newmarket and its veterinarians recommend that dogs and cats receive an annual dental exam annually to ensure their health. Please Contact North Yonge Veterinary Hospital in Newmarket to obtain additional details and meet with one of our Veterinarians today.