INDUSTRY INSIGHT
VETERINARY SERVICES
SPONSORED CONTENT
PERIODONTAL
DISEASE
in Dogs
and Cats
KRISTA MENDOZA, DVM, DAVDC, ANIMAL DENTAL CLINIC OF PITTSBURGH, LLC
B
y 3 years of age, over 75% of dogs and cats have disease
of the teeth and gums called periodontal disease. The
process starts when bacteria in the mouth combine
with food and saliva to form plaque. When plaque is
not removed from the tooth surface, it mixes with minerals in
saliva, which creates a hard substance called tartar or calculus.
Once this hard layer is formed, it is no longer easily removed
with dental home care. Tartar in pets is often visible by owners as
brown, gray or yellow discoloration on the teeth.
Although tartar is unsightly on the tooth surface, it is what
happens beneath the gums that is the most important part of
periodontal disease. Plaque bacteria move deeper under the
gums and release toxins, which destroy tissue and activate the
body’s immune system. As the disease progresses, teeth become
loose and dental abscesses form. With advanced infection,
bacteria in the mouth gain access to the bloodstream and
travel through the body. Signs of dental disease in dogs and
cats are bad breath, difficulty eating, sensitivity when chewing,
reluctance to eat hard food, avoiding toys, anorexia, weight loss,
behavior changes, drooling, bleeding from the mouth, pawing at
the face, and swelling along the muzzle or jaw.
Treatment for periodontal disease depends on the extent and
severity of infection. A professional veterinary dental cleaning
to remove plaque and tartar should always be performed under
general anesthesia to thoroughly clean and polish the teeth and
treat below the gum line in a pain-free manner while protecting
the animal’s airway. Dental radiographs taken under general
anesthesia are an essential tool when determining the degree
of infection hidden along the roots and bone, and if treatment
options other than extraction of teeth are possible. The animal’s
overall health and owner’s willingness to provide home dental
care are important factors to consider. Any teeth that are loose
or have significant infection should be removed. The goal with
Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty
& Emergency Center
any dental treatment should be a healthy, functional, pain-free
mouth.
The key to preventing periodontal disease is plaque removal.
The gold standard in home dental care for animals is daily tooth
brushing, but less than 2% of pet owners brush their pets’ teeth.
Toothpaste specially formulated for dogs and cats should always
be used because it is fluoride free. Brushless gels and oral sprays
with enzymes are useful in cases where the owner can only get
into the pet’s mouth for a short period of time. Healthy chewing
with dental-formulated diets and treats can help mechanically
cleanse the teeth like a brush. Avoid offering very hard objects
(antlers, pig hooves, “indestructible” hard plastic chews, etc.) to
your pet to chew on as these may fracture teeth. Water additives
are another option to introduce enzymes that control plaque
in your pet’s mouth while drinking. It is very important to avoid
products with a high alcohol content, which can burn sensitive
gum tissue, or xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to animals.
Even with very good home care for your pet, periodic
professional dental cleanings under anesthesia may still be
needed. An oral exam and dental care discussion should be part
of your pet’s regular checkups with the family veterinarian. For
complicated cases involving high anesthesia risk or advanced
periodontal disease, your veterinarian may discuss referring your
pet to a veterinary dental specialist.
This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Mendoza.
Dr. Mendoza graduated from the U of IL College of
Veterinary Medicine in 1997 and completed a Small
Animal Dental Residency Program there, becoming
a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental
College in 2002. After practicing in North Carolina,
Dr. Mendoza founded the Animal Dental Clinic of
Pittsburgh in 2008.
South Hills location: 1535 Washington Road, Washington, PA 15301, 724.809.2000
North Hills location: 807 Camp Horne Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237, 412.536.5248
Web site: PVS-EC.com
UPPER ST. CLAIR
❘
SPRING 2018
27