MVC Library - Dental care keeps more than your pet's teeth from going bad.

Dental Care - Keeps more than your pet's teeth from going bad.

More then 85 percent of dogs and cats over four years old have some form of periodontal disease, a painful inflammatory condition in which bacteria attack the gums, ligament and bone tissues that surround and support the teeth. Senior dogs, those seven or more years old, are especially susceptible to periodontal disease. That's why it is important to have your pet's teeth examined by your veterinarian on a routine basis. If left unchecked, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs, starting infections there and seriously compromising the health of your pet.

A minor dental infection can become a major health problem.

Look for these Warning Signs:

Bad Breath - one of the first signs

Plaque - a yellowish-brown crust on the teeth near the gum line.

Red and Swollen Gums

Pain or Bleeding when your pet eats or when the mouth or gums are touched.

Decreased appetite or difficulty eating.

Loose or missing teeth.

Most periodontal infections begin simply enough. Plaque - which is composed of bacteria, salivery proteins and food debris - builds up in the groove between teeth and gums, causing irritation, redness and swelling. Eventually, pockets form and deepen, allowing bacteria to damage tissues that hold teeth in place.

At this stage, bacteria from the oral infection have a clear path to the animal's bloodstream and vital organs. The organs with the highest blood flow are most susceptible to infection: lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and even the brain. Damage to these organs caused by infection can shorten the lives of dogs and cats.

As easy as it is for your pet to get a periodontal infection, it's just as easy for you to prevent it. The first step is brushing your pet's teeth on a regular basis to reduce plaque buildup and gingivitis. You should use a special toothbrush and toothpaste designed for pets. Avoid using toothpaste for people because it can upset your pet's stomach. Giving your pet chew toys and feeding them hard or coarse-textured food can also help remove plaque.

Like people, animals need professional teeth cleaning on a routine basis. Visit your veterinarian for regular dental exams and, depending on the condition of your pet's teeth, professional cleaning and polishing every six to 18 months.

Regular dental checkups are important to maintaining not only your pet's oral health, but overall health as well. In fact, because animals age more quickly than humans, dental exams should become more frequent - perhaps every six months - as your pet ages. Think of it as a necessary part of your pet's preventive care plan.