Dental procedures are performed using the same anesthetic and careful monitoring techniques that we use for our surgical patients. Many pets have their teeth cleaned on an annual basis to help ensure optimal oral health. Dental disease is a frequent problem, but it is often not recognized by the owner. The number one dental complaint is bad breath. When we do our dental exam we often find that severe dental disease is the culprit. This may entail loose teeth and painful gum infections.

Pet owners should know that a simple three step program can keep their pets' mouths healthier. The three steps include taking their pet to your veterinarian for a dental check, and dental cleaning if indicated. Establishing a home care routine of brushing or using special products to reduce dental tartar, such as CET chews, is step two. The last step includes regular veterinary checkups because plaque builds up quickly and some pets require more frequent dental care.

Studies have shown that 8 out of 10 dogs and 7 out of 10 cats show signs of gum disease by the age of three. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious systemic diseases of the heart, kidneys and liver. There is no need for this to happen because most dental diseases can be controlled or even eliminated with proper treatment by veterinarians and home care by owners. Dog and cats over the age of one should be routinely checked for dental disease.

Good preventive oral care is an important part of the care you give to your pet. Time spent on preventive care will help keep your pet healthier, and it strengthens the human-pet bond.

Pets that come into the hospital with gum disease are often in great pain. Dental problems may cause your pet to suffer from:

• Prolonged pain • Tooth loss • Chronic infections • Lowered resistance • Possible heart, liver and kidney disease Look for: • Bad breath • Drooling • Yellow or brown discolorations on teeth • Decreased appetite

Progressive Nature of Periodontal Disease

	Early Periodontal disease: Inflamed gumline -- red, swollen and sometimes tender. Plaque is barely visible, but it is already present.		Thick tartar formation (creamy-brown hard masses on the teeth). Inflamed and partially receding gums. Periodontal disease well under way below the gumline. Mouth is sore and bad breath is present.
	Extensive plaque formation with tartar build-up. Inflamed gumline. Mouth is probably sore with occasional drooling. Beginning of mouth odor.		Severe tartar formation. Inflamed and receding gumline is very sensitive. Advanced periodontal disease is present with infection, bleeding, tooth and bone loss.