Kindness Pet Hospital

Did you know that periodontal disease is considered the most common disease of companion animals?

by | Jun 2, 2015 | Furry Updates

 

image_20150501160246420periodontal disease

Severe periodontal disease.

20150513_113119_20150601182756660pixarcatabscess

Feline, left upper canine abscess with draining tract

An estimated 85% of dogs and 75% of cats over 3 years of age display some form of periodontal disease.

 

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by  a bacterial infection that spreads, unseen, beneath the gumline. As the disease progresses, it destroys the bone around the tooth roots leading to mobile, painful teeth.

At Kindness Pet Hospital, we take your companion’s oral health seriously.  Just as poor oral health in humans correlates with systemic illness such as cardiovascular disease and kidney disease, the same is true for your pet.

Dr. Connor has a keen interest in Veterinary dentistry. She will examine your companion’s mouth and make recommendations for home care and a thorough dental cleaning under general anesthesia, as indicated.

 

But why general anesthesia?

What is the difference between a dental cleaning, utilizing general anesthesia at my Veterinarian’s office and a “non-anesthetic” dental?

 

A Veterinary dental cleaning involves a complete oral examination by a Veterinarian, dental x-rays, a cleaning both above and below the gum line, fluoride treatment, localized antibiotic treatment for periodontal pockets if indicated, and optional application of a dental sealant to retard plaque attachment.
An anesthesia free dental cleaning is a non-Veterinary procedure where a pet is restrained awake, while the visible portion of some surfaces of the teeth are scaled (scraped with an instrument).
This procedure does not clean your pet’s teeth thoroughly, leaving your companion at risk for  progression of oral disease, and future problems.
Please visit the links below from The American Veterinary Dental College for more information about Veterinary dental health.
 http://avdc.org/AFD/category/for-pet-owners/
http://avdc.org/AFD/faqs-about-pet-dental-cleanings/