Dentistry

Veterinary Dentistry

Diane E. Shepherd, DVM

KEY POINT #1: Periodontal disease is very common and besides being painful, can lead to heart and kidney problems.

KEY POINT#2: Cats have one dental disease very rarely seen in dogs.

KEY POINT #3: Dental x-ray is very important in the diagnosis and treatment of dental disease.

Oral health is just as important to our pets as it is to humans. Studies have shown that 80% of cats and dogs over five years of age have some degree of dental disease. This can be prevented

by starting oral hygiene, preferable brushing, at a young age, so that the puppy or kitten accepts it. If brushing is not an option, there are other products that can at least delay the onset of dental problems.

Caries, or cavities, the most common human dental disease, are quite rare in cats and dogs. But PERIODONTAL DISEASE is very prevalent. This is caused by the accumulation of plaque that promotes the invasion of gum tissue by bacteria. This deep-seated infection leads to pockets in the gum, pain, and loosening of the teeth in the mouth; it also can contribute to heart and kidney disease from the bacteria that constantly flood the bloodstream from the damaged oral tissues. The odor from the decaying tissue can be. It is best to remove plaque deposits before there has been irreversible damage to the gums. Dental x-ray will show the extent of disease and the presence of abscesses. Dental cleaning and removal of loose teeth is beneficial at any stage.

Many people are justifiable concerned about ANESTHESIA for dental cleaning. However, the only way in cats and dogs to do a thorough and proper job of dental cleaning that gets under the gumline is under anesthesia. At the Shepherd Veterinary Clinic we use the safest available anesthesia and have both electrocardiograph and blood pressure machines to monitor patients.

All but the youngest patients or shortest procedures are placed on an intravenous drip that is warmed to body temperature. Pain relief is always used and local anesthesia is used for extractions. While we cannot say that there are no dangers to anesthesia, we can say with all certainly that untreated dental disease is dangerous to the pet.

In addition to periodontal disease, cats have a fairly common dental problem in RESORPTIVE LESIONS. Also known as cervical line lesions or feline odontoclastic lesions, these appear like cavities but are not caused by bacteria. There a suggestion that the acidification of feline diets, to prevent urinary problems, may have a role in the disease process. Erosions in the enamel lead to open holes in the tooth that communicate with the tooth pulp and nerve. Needless to say, these are quite painful. An affected tooth will have inflamed gum trying to build-up around the lesion, the tooth may be discolored and pinkish. Eventually the tooth erodes away, the crown falls off and

the gum grows over the tooth, but this can take months to years. There are two ways to deal with resorptive lesions as determined by x-ray of the tooth. Some of these teeth have roots that are being resorbed and these teeth can be quickly amputated and the gum sutured over the site.

Other teeth have intact roots and these teeth must be extracted. Unfortunately, several teeth

may be affected over time.

Both cats and dogs break teeth. All too often we see broken molars in dogs that have been given bones or other hard objects to chew. NEVER GIVE BONES TO DOGS OR CATS. Teeth are also broken in fights or falls. Sometimes the tooth is just chipped and the pulp is not exposed. But if there is an open pulp cavity, there is a highway for mouth bacteria into the base of the tooth and the bloodstream. These teeth should either be extracted or be given root canal therapy.

It is very helpful for owners to get in the habit of checking in the mouth of their pets. Gently lift

the gums to look at the outsides of the teeth and see that there are no abnormal teeth or inflamed gums. Don’t put your hands inside the mouth or get bitten. We will be glad to show you how to examine your pet’s mouth.