Dental Disease in Pets: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
Dental disease is the most common health condition in pets, affecting approximately 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over age 3. Beyond affecting your pet’s teeth, dental disease damages the heart, kidneys, and liver through bacterial infection. At Aldine Mail Route Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive dental care including prevention, cleaning, and treatment.
What Causes Dental Disease?
Dental disease develops when plaque and tartar accumulate on teeth. Bacteria thrive in this buildup, causing gum inflammation and infection. As disease progresses, bacteria spread under the gumline into the bloodstream, damaging major organs.
Most dental disease is preventable through at-home care and professional cleaning.
Symptoms of Dental Disease
– Bad breath (worse than normal pet odor)
– Red or swollen gums
– Bleeding gums
– Difficulty eating or dropping food
– Excessive drooling
– Visible tartar buildup on teeth
– Loose or missing teeth
– Facial swelling
– Behavioral changes (pawing at mouth, irritability)
Bad breath is often the first sign. Don’t ignore it.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional cleaning removes tartar below the gumline where brushing cannot reach. The procedure includes:
– Ultrasonic scaling
– Polishing and fluoride treatment
– Extraction of severely diseased teeth
– Pain management
Prevention and At-Home Care
– Brush teeth several times weekly (daily is ideal)
– Provide appropriate chewing items
– Feed diet that supports dental health
– Schedule regular wellness exams for dental assessment
Long-Term Health Impact
Untreated dental disease leads to:
– Heart disease from bacterial infection
– Kidney failure
– Liver disease
– Tooth loss
– Shortened lifespan
Investing in dental care is investing in longevity and quality of life.
Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Evaluation
Request an AppointmentDental Disease FAQs
How often should my pet have professional dental cleaning?
This depends on your pet’s individual predisposition. Some pets need annual cleaning, others every few years. During wellness exams, we assess dental health and recommend appropriate cleaning schedule.
Is anesthesia safe for older pets during dental cleaning?
Yes. We perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork to assess organ function. Modern anesthesia protocols with close monitoring are very safe. The risks of untreated dental disease are greater than anesthesia risks.
What can I do at home to prevent dental disease?
Brush your pet’s teeth several times weekly, provide appropriate chewing items, consider dental water additives, and feed a diet that supports dental health. These measures work alongside professional cleaning.
Can my pet eat normally after dental cleaning?
Your pet may have sore gums for a few days. We recommend soft food for 2-3 days after cleaning. Most pets resume normal eating within 24-48 hours.
Will my pet’s breath improve after dental cleaning?
Yes! Bad breath is caused by bacterial buildup. Professional cleaning removes this, and you’ll notice improved breath within days.
What if my pet already has tooth loss?
Pets function well without teeth. Extraction of diseased teeth prevents further complications. However, address underlying dental disease to prevent additional tooth loss and systemic infection.
How does dental disease affect overall pet health?
Bacteria from dental disease enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, kidneys, and liver, leading to organ disease and shortened lifespan. Prevention and treatment protect your pet’s entire body.
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