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| Photo Credit: http://www.tallangattavets.com.au/dental.aspx |
Oral hygiene in our pets is so much more than just bad doggy breath; it is just as important as our own. Canine oral hygiene is associated with a list of disease nearly identical to those of human dental disease. The term “Periodontal Disease” is a general term referring to the disease of the oral cavity including teeth, gums and tissue. This includes but is not limited to such things as Plaque, Calculus, and Gingivitis, much like in our own mouths. By the time these symptoms are visually present, the progression of periodontal disease is already spreading at an alarming rate, therefore should be treated at the very first sign.
One of the earliest
signs of periodontal disease is Gingivitis;
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| Gingivitis Photo Credit: www.theanswervet.com/petoralhygiene.html |
an inflammation of the gums identified
by bad
breath odour, redness and swelling along the gum line. This inflammation
often promotes plaque build up which is the first sign of bacteria and organic
matter accumulating at the gum line of the tooth. Although it is quite common
and nothing to be alarmed of, at this stage brushing is necessary. The physical
abrasion of a toothbrush along with an enzymatic dog specific tooth-paste will
keep the build up at a minimum and prevent advanced build up such as calculus. |
| Plaque buildup Photo Credit: www.veterinarydentalcenter.com/faqs.htm |
Calculus is the
advanced stage of plaque in which calcium phosphate and carbonate in
conjunction with organic matter and bacteria build up into a hard substance
along the gum line and in advanced cases covering the entire tooth. Calculus
provides a safe haven for pathogenic bacteria to live and multiply. It must
be physically
scaled away from the tooth using proper dental procedure and at this stage
brushing is absolutely useless.As these bacteria inhabit and reproduce at the gum line, the
battle between bacteria and your dog’s natural anti-bodies and enzymes produce
toxins in the mouth. These toxins are much like the by-product of having an abscess
in your own mouth. As your dog swallows his own saliva he is literally poisoning
himself by ingesting these toxins. These toxins are then absorbed into the
blood stream and his filtration system begins to process them in an attempt to
rid them of the body. In turn, the organs that manage this system such as the
kidneys, liver, heart and brain are exposed to these toxins and if untreated,
can cause irreversible damage to the tissue, and in extreme cases, failure of
these organs. Much like we discussed in my post about nail trimming, this
strain on the organs caused by tooth decay can indirectly be the premature
death of your pet. |
| Calculus buildup Photo Credit: http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/ChxmlcPzYGA/maxresdefault.jpg |
If you check your dogs mouth regularly for these signs you
can spot them early on and prevent toxic illness, unnecessary vet bills, and
keep your pet comfortable and free of oral pain and disease. With the internet
close at hand there is so much information available to us on websites like this one, that can help us educate ourselves on the needs of our pets. Do some
research and educate yourself on everything to do with your dog’s health, from general
hygiene to CPR, because as a pet owner you need to be ready for anything; it could
mean the difference between life and death to your dog someday, weather through
slow and gradual physical strain, toxin, parasites or sudden injury. We are
their guardians and we need to know as much as we can, and continue to learn -
inquire, question, observe and share knowledge with other pet owners - retain
all the information you can, it’s a constant learning curve and the more you
know, the safer, healthier and happier your dog will be.
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| Photo Credit: ww.prweb.com/releases/2012/9/prweb9947497.htm |
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