By Jan Bellows D.V.M., Diplomate, American Veterinary Dental College
Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners

Periodontal disease in a greyhound before therapy   February is Pet Dental Month. It was created to encourage awareness of pet dental disease. Unfortunately while our pets cannot care for their own teeth, they suffer the painful consequences of dental neglect. What can you do? Appreciate the importance of animal dentistry Fractured tooth with nerve exposed The mouth is the gateway into your pet's body. Dogs and cats use their front teeth much like we use our fingers to gather food. The cheek teeth are used to cut food into small pieces. The rear teeth grind food for swallowing and initiate pre-digestion. Dogs and cats play a crucial role in families. Most pet owners speak to and kiss their pets daily. Halitosis, or bad breath, makes this interaction at times unpleasant and even unhealthy for you due to harmful bacteria shed because of periodontal disease. How To Help Your Pet Observation Blood pressure monitor If disease occurred on the tip of your pet's nose, it would be easy to recognize. Unfortunately, teeth are hidden by the lips. By the time halitosis occurs it may be too late to save many of your pet's teeth, especially if there is advanced periodontal disease. Early detection is easy and often leads to a cure. Once tooth support loss (periodontal disease) occurs, advanced procedures are necessary. On the 1st and 15th of each month, open your pet's mouth and take a peek inside. If you detect a disagreeable odor, then gingivitis or periodontitis exist and a trip to your veterinarian is necessary. Dark red or bleeding gums are another clue that all is not well. Bone loss around tooth root caused by periodontal disease Look for fractured teeth. Dogs and cats often chew on harder substances than their teeth which can lead to broken teeth. The tooth's nerve appears as a spot in the center of the tooth. Even if your pet is able to eat, it may still have fractured teeth needing attention. Most fractured teeth can be saved. Many times pets do not show signs of pain until the condition has progressed to the point where the tooth has to be extracted. Examine the gums, tongue, and cheek areas in addition to the teeth. Small oral growths that would bother us continue to grow unnoticed in our pets. Early detection provides the best chance for successful treatment. Dental Care Toothbrushing The same procedures used to save human teeth are now used by veterinary dental specialists to help animals. The first step is a visit to your veterinarian or a dental specialist for an examination to discuss dental problems you discover. Most dental procedures require anesthesia. This is often a concern for the pet owner. Not performing dental care because of minimal anesthesia risk concerns is not fair to your pet, especially in the presence of pain or progressive disease. Modern veterinary anesthetics are extremely safe while patient pre-operative evaluation and anesthetic monitoring allow the veterinary dentist to perform procedures while the patient is resting comfortably. The threat of continued infection and chronic pain is greater than the risk of anesthesia. Dental X-rays are usually necessary to evaluate dental health under the gum line where problems can hide. X-rays are crucial in determining the best type of therapy. Without X-rays, the veterinarian would have to make decisions based on only part of the information otherwise available. Prevention Prevention Prevention The finest gift you can give your pet is to provide the best in oral health. Soft, chewy treats may taste great, but your pet will pay, especially if daily tooth brushing is not part of home care. Professional teeth cleaning by your veterinarian is important. You play a vital role. It is unfair to expect the dentist to prevent disease without your participation at home. Toothbrushing a pet is usually easy. There are many types of toothbrushes available. Special pet toothpastes are recommended and pets usually love the taste. The Science Diet Company created a tartar control diet (T/D) which helps in keeping plaque under control. Celebrate Pet Dental Health Month Suggestion: Right after reading this article, examine your pet's mouth. Note areas that do not appear normal. Make an appointment with your veterinarian or a dental specialist. Your best friend and your family will thank you. Dr. Jan Bellows 9111 Taft Street Pembroke Pines 954-432-1111 17100 Arvida Parkway Weston 954-349-5800 Dr. A. Oakes 1501a Belcher Road South Largo 727-535-3500 Dr. Keith Grove 875 17TH Street Vero Beach 561-567-6006 -Jan Bellows, D.V.M. is one of forty-nine board certified veterinary dentists in the country. His practice, All Pets Dental Clinic, is located at 9111 Taft Street, Pembroke Pines, Florida. Dr. Bellows can be reached at (954) 432-1111 or contacted via e-mail at dentalvet@aol.com. For more dental information, visit www.dentalvet.com

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