A quiet revolution has occurred in veterinary dentistry and you need to know about it, because early intervention dental care programs prevent more than just tooth decay!

In past decades, veterinarians and their clients waited for problems to arise before dealing with them. Pulling teeth was a common procedure. Now, after years of careful research, we know just how important it is to detect oral problems early, before long-term consequences of unattended conditions arise. By approaching dental care in this fashion, we can frequently prevent pain and tooth loss in our animal companions.

Advanced medical equipment, increased levels of training for veterinarians and registered technicians, and comprehensive client education programs are helping bring modern dentistry to Canadian communities. Board certified dental specialists are also increasingly available. A general veterinary practitioner will refer your pet to a dental specialist for complicated (and sophisticated) dental procedures. Root canals, restorative fillings and caps, orthodontics, and other advanced techniques ensure top-notch oral care for cats, dogs, and even exotic pets!

Did you know that dental conditions like periodontal disease are the number one health problem in dogs and cats over 3 years old; affecting about 70% of cats and 80% of dogs? Did you also know that gum problems that start with an accumulation of plaque and tartar lead to gingivitis, which may progress to periodontitis, a serious infection of the supporting structures of the teeth? Chronic periodontal disease and periodontitis have been associated with kidney failure and infections of the heart valve and other tissues, so never underestimate the long term effects of untreated dental disease!

Common Dental Conditions

Periodontal disease refers to infection and inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth including the gums, periodontal ligaments and bony sockets. Once it has been allowed to progress, periodontal disease is irreversible. Tissues are permanently damaged and can never regenerate to their normal state, so early interventions make a big difference in the long-term oral health of your pet. Once periodontal disease becomes entrenched, we must think in terms of control, not cure.

Cats are prone to a condition known as feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs). These FORLs are the result of cells from the cat’s own body eating away at the root of the tooth. Once a tooth defect extends above the gum line and is exposed to mouth bacteria, it becomes very painful. Eventually, the crowns of affected teeth break off at the gum line. The retained roots are also very painful. According to Dr. Fraser Hale, a board certified veterinary dental specialist at the Hale Veterinary Clinic in Guelph, Ontario, the cause of these FORLs is not fully understood. While research continues, for now, no preventive measures are known and extraction of affected teeth is the treatment of choice.

If you have ever experienced a toothache, you know just how much pain dental disease can cause! PAIN is a serious consequence of dental disorders. Signs of tooth and gum problems in animals may include: loss of appetite, red or swollen gums, excessive drooling, discoloured, broken or cracked teeth, whining or pawing at the face, eating with a head tilt to one side, dropping food from the mouth, pus in the mouth, bad breath, and fever.

Cats are particularly good at hiding their problems, even the pain and discomfort of dental problems. However, if these problems are present you might notice your cat hiding more than usual and/or responding aggressively to petting around the face. Dr. Hale concurs that dogs and cats are very good at dealing with pain. In his experience, he finds that most owners notice their pet’s bad breath but are unaware of other signs of dental disorders until advanced or serious disease develops.

Taking Care of Dental Health

According to Dr. Hale, some veterinary practices have a special interest in dental care and are particularly well outfitted for veterinary dentistry. These practices may employ veterinarians and veterinary technicians who have obtained dental certificates and may offer dental (intra-oral) X-rays and comprehensive dental preventive programs designed for each life stage and tailored to each individual pet.

Regular physical examinations are the first step to protecting your pet’s oral health. Annual check ups in younger pets, and twice yearly check ups in seniors provide opportunities for the trained professional to examine tooth and oral tissue health. This regular screening process is valuable because it provides a normal baseline for your pet and helps to identify serious diseases such as cancer. Since cancer of the oral cavity exhibits many of the same symptoms as other dental diseases, prompt identification and treatment of these problems is very important!

If dental problems are identified, your veterinary health care team will suggest an appropriate intervention that will stabilize the disease process, and in some cases, cure it. Frequently, a professional dental cleaning will be recommended. During this procedure, teeth are cleaned and polished above and below the gum line while the pet is anesthetized. Dental charting during the procedure records the results of the comprehensive dental examination (which can only be carried out in a pet while under anesthetic), and the treatments carried out.

Some pet owners have concerns about the safety of anesthetic used for dental procedures. Modern anesthesia is quite safe, and along with proper pre-anesthetic evaluation should be seen as a necessary component of veterinary dentistry. Dental procedures conducted while pets are conscious are risky and should be avoided. After all, dogs and cats cannot be expected to open wide and hold still for the course of a procedure that might produce discomfort. Reflex responses include biting and sudden movements that may lead to wounds of the delicate mouth tissue.

Pre-anesthetic evaluation does not completely eliminate anesthetic risk, but provides reassurance that many hidden medical problems will be picked up before the procedure begins. In addition to the physical examination, assessments may include some combination of tests including a complete blood count, urine analysis, blood chemistry determinations (especially of liver and kidney function), and sometimes ECGs and chest X-rays.

Remember, the longer a dental disease is left unattended, the more difficult, and expensive, it will be to treat. So don’t delay treatment just because your pet’s condition doesn’t seem overly serious today!

Your Role in Your Pet’s Oral Health

You can help your pet maintain good oral health by providing a dental care program suited to its needs. Tooth brushing, special dental treats or diets, mouth gels or rinses may be prescribed by your veterinarian. This home care regimen may be adjusted as your pet ages, but should start as soon as you bring your pet home. Making oral care part of the daily interaction between you and your pet will help ensure good dental health throughout your pet’s lifetime and the early training will help your pet learn to tolerate handling of the mouth area.

Talk to your veterinarian today about the ways you can work together to enhance the dental health of your four-legged friends!