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National Pet Dental Health Month
Posted on Sunday, February 3rd, 2008
By Emily Huh

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so for many pet owners,
it’s time to think about the health of our pet’s teeth, if we haven’t
done so already.

Here is information about pet dental health care that the California
Veterinary Medical Association put out:

The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) reports
gingivitis and periodontal disease in dogs and cats have become
widespread, and pet owners should take some simple actions to be
sure their pet has good oral health.

“We hope ‘National Pet Dental Health Month’ in February will draw
attention to this serious health issue for pets. All pet owners should
start a regular dental care routine for their animals in consultation
with their veterinarians,” said Dr. Jeff Smith, president of the CVMA.
“Oral disease can lead to serious consequences for pets, including
infection, severe pain and even organ damage. With regular oral
health maintenance and check-ups, most of these problems can
be avoided.”

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 85
percent of dogs and cats show signs of oral disease by age four.
The trouble begins when food particles and bacteria build up in the
mouth to form plaque and tartar, which leads to reversible gingivitis.
Gingivitis, if ignored, will progress to periodontal disease. Irreversible
periodontal disease leads to tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums
and, in severe cases, tooth loss. When bacteria from periodontal
disease travels into a pet’s bloodstream, the lungs, heart, kidneys,
liver and nervous system can be affected. These infections usually
are treatable when caught at an early stage. However, if they are
not caught in time, they can cause serious organ damage and even
death.

The CVMA says all pets are at risk for developing dental problems,
so it is important for owners to have their pets examined by a
veterinarian annually to detect problems early. It also is important
for owners to check their pets often between visits for these warning signs:

– Bad breath — Tartar buildup on the teeth — Swollen, receding or
bleeding gums — Fractured or abscessed teeth — Change in eating habits

A pet should be taken to a veterinarian immediately if it shows
any of the above symptoms.

“It’s important for pet owners to seek professional veterinary care
in addition to providing good oral health care for their pets at home,”
adds Dr. Smith.

The CVMA recommends these simple steps to ensure proper pet
dental health care:

Step 1. Visit a veterinarian at least once a year.

The veterinarian will examine a pet’s teeth and gums. Recommendations
may be made for cleaning, polishing and other dental care in the
hospital and a program of home dental care.

Step 2. Professional dental care.

If a pet already shows evidence of periodontal disease, a professional
cleaning is in order. Depending on the pet’s age and physical condition,
the doctor may recommend blood analyses, radiography or other
diagnostic tests to evaluate the heart, liver and kidneys for coexisting
disease before proceeding with general anesthesia.

Once a pet is anesthetized, accumulated tartar and calculus are
removed by ultrasonic and hand scaling. Radiographs are taken
to identify teeth needing fillings or root canals that can be repaired,
and teeth that are beyond repair can be extracted. Finally, the teeth
are polished to slow down formation of new plaque, tartar and calculus.

It is important that only veterinarians and their trained staff,
under direct supervision, perform dental cleaning. Only veterinarians
have the knowledge, skills and abilities to diagnose and treat
diseases of animals, including dental diseases.

Step 3. Dental care at home.

Regular brushing is critical to any preventive dental program. A
special toothbrush and toothpaste for pets are recommended.

Feeding pets a dental diet with the VOHC seal may help prevent
accumulation of plaque, tartar and calculus. Consult a veterinarian
regarding the best diet for your pet.

Step 4. Return to a veterinarian for regular dental checkups every
six to 18 months or as recommended by your veterinarian.

The CVMA urges all pet owners during “National Pet Dental Health
Care Month” to review their pet’s dental care and take the necessary
steps to ensure their pet has healthy teeth and gums.

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Feb. 4, 2008