General Dentistry

 

Good oral health is essential to maintaining overall health:

 

Most dental diseases can be reversed when identified in their early stages and treated appropriately. Unfortunately, studies show that up to 85% of pets today have some form of dental disease needing treatment. The above picture is a very good example of moderate-stage periodontal infection due to the accumulation of plaque and calculus on the tooth and beneath the gum line. Notice the redness and inflammation where the tooth and gum meet. If left untreated, the bacteria in the plaque will destroy the supportive structures of the tooth which eventually leads to loose teeth requiring removal.

 

Most pets hide their oral disease and do not let their owners know that they have a dental infection, pain, or other diseases of the oral cavity. Many pets will continue to eat and happily interact with their owners despite oral pain and infection. This is a wild defensive mechanism deeply rooted in dog and cat behavior. In short, many pets endure the pain in silence. Pets should have regular oral examinations and if any gum redness (inflammation), abnormal bumps, bad breath, or loose or discolored teeth are present, the cause should be identified and treated.

 

Thorough oral examination, probing, and scaling should be included in yearly health maintenance programs. Proper scaling and probing by licensed, experienced, and specially trained professionals will identify pathology requiring treatment.