A Pet Owner’s Guide to Dental Procedures

A Pet Owner’s Guide to Dental Procedures

Dental diseases can affect canines and cats even at a very young age; however, it’s more prevalent when they get to midlife. More than 85% of dogs and cats have developed dental problems after six years old.

The three main categories for dental diseases consist of gingivitis, tartar, and pyorrhoea. Gingivitis is the least of problems, and pyorrhoea is the most serious. Treatments can range from antibiotics to complete dental scaling. Find out more about these issues to be an advocate of dental care for your family pets.

Three Categories of Pet Dental Disease

Gingivitis

Gingivitis causes swelling of the gums around the teeth; it’s very typical; every pet has it to some extent in their life. Therefore, pets must get regular examinations from their primary vet, who can easily spot indications of gingivitis.

Like in humans, it is brought on by plaque accumulation on the tooth. The interaction of food and saliva with bacteria from the mouth causes the release of enzymes that break down the gum tissue that brings about swelling.

Gingivitis can be easily avoided with correct oral hygiene. However, if left neglected, it causes periodontitis or inflammation of the hard tissues around the tooth area.

Tartar

The plaque build-up in conjunction with gingivitis, if left untreated, might combine with minerals in the mouth and set like cement; this is called tartar. Eventually, tartar will cause decay, gum problems, and other dental issues.

It would help to brush your pet’s teeth daily or thrice a week to resolve this problem. A diet modification that promotes dental health is also suggested. If you can not solve your pet’s problem, a professional dog or cat dentist should examine and treat your pet’s oral concerns.

Pyorrhea

Pyorrhea is the third or final stage of gum disease; it’s an advanced stage that can lead to tooth loss if untreated. Pus begins to develop at the bottom of affected teeth and gums. Pyorrhea also causes halitosis, discomfort, and loss of appetite in your pet. The infection can enter the bloodstream and might affect other organs in the body.

Types of Procedures

Full Anesthetic

This is offered when your pet requires moderate to acute treatments; this includes extractions, scaling, masses, or abscesses. Depending upon the doctor’s assessment, treatments might contain other in-house lab diagnostics, radiographs, bloodwork, general anesthesia, and nerve blocks.

Pets that require less intensive cleaning, no extractions, and sensitivity to anesthetics might be given intravenous sedatives or “twilight sedation.”

Non-anesthetic Dentistry (NAD)

This can be done if your vet establishes that your pet has the temperament to allow the technician to conduct the treatment without anesthesia. Studies show that it is equal to or even much better than other procedures. It’s likewise more cost-effective compared with medications.

Dental Care for Pets without Teeth

Chelonians, like turtles and tortoises, have a keratinized horny beak. They need to have a well-balanced diet with abrasive chewing materials to keep their beaks at the appropriate length. Diet lacking in calcium and vitamin D may cause overgrown beaks that need trimming by a vet.

Birds, similar to chelonians, have no teeth. Instead, they have a beak for eating, playing, preening, and climbing. Lack of a well-balanced diet and chewing items leads to overgrowth. Provide birds with crunchy vegetables, nuts, cuttlebones, and wooden toys to help beak wear and avoid overgrowth. Schedule an appointment at exotic vet facilities like the South Wilton Veterinary Group.

Conclusion

With routine care, you can avoid serious oral health issues in your pets that often lead to severe diseases affecting the kidney, liver, and heart. Remember that the most severe dental problems just started probably with gingivitis. If left untreated, this gum disease can be avoided or cured easily but may advance to serious ones.

It does not matter if you’re caring for canines, felines, or birds; they all need proper care in your house and regular checkups with their veterinarian to ensure optimum health.