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What is
Periodontal Disease? |
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Periodontal Disease begins
with a minor inflammation of the gums due to the formation of plague
on the teeth. As plague continues to build up and harden,
tartar forms on the teeth. The buildup of tartar causes
recession of the gums and supporting bone which leads to the
loosening of teeth that eventually fall out. |
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What is the
Affect of Periodontal Disease? |
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Periodontal Disease can affect more than
just your pet’s teeth and gums. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream
through inflamed gums and attack the heart, liver and kidneys,
potentially causing serious health problems.
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Symptoms of Poor Oral Health include |
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Persistently bad breath
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Bleeding, inflamed or receded gums
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Loss of appetite or a change in eating habits
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Pawing and sensitivity of the mouth
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Lethargy
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How is Dental Disease
Evaluated? |
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No signs of
plaque or tartar.
Home dental care
is needed to maintain these healthy teeth and gums.
Brushing your pet's teeth regularly is ideal. There
are also products available to help make home dental care
easy and hassle free. |
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Grade I /
Mild Gingivitis:
Margin of attached gum is inflamed and swollen. Plaque
is covering the teeth. Home dental care is needed. Dental cleaning to remove current plaque buildup within
the next year is necessary if there is no improvement. |
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Grade II /
Moderate Gingivitis:
Entire gum is inflamed and swollen. Mouth is painful
and odor is noticed. Dental cleaning to remove
tartar is needed within the next month. Addition of
tartar control diet and home dental care is needed afterward
for prevention. |
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Grade III /
Severe Gingivitis:
Cherry red and bleeding gums. Gum is destroyed by
infection and tartar. Sore mouth and bad breath.
Odor is evident. Dental cleaning to remove tartar
is needed immediately. Addition of tartar control diet
and home dental care is needed to prevent recurrence. |
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Grade IV /
Periodontal Disease:
Chronic infection is destroying the gum, tooth and bone.
Bacteria is spreading through the body via the bloodstream
and may damage the kidneys, liver, and heart.
Dental cleaning to remove tartar is needed immediately.
Some teeth may be loose and in need of extraction.
Home dental care afterward is necessary for prevention. |
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Avoid the Dangers
of Poor Oral Health |
- Schedule regular dental check-up
appointments
- Based on your veterinarian's
recommendations, schedule regular dental cleanings to remove
plaque, stain and tartar
- Brush your pet’s teeth to reduce plaque
and tartar buildup between cleanings
- Use dental prescription food as a
balanced diet or as treats to combat dental disease
- Use homecare dental products such as
OraVet Plaque Prevention Gel or Nolvadent Oral Cleansing
Solution
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How are Dental Cleanings Performed? |
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Our licensed veterinary technicians perform
dental cleanings under the supervision of our veterinarians. Dental
cleaning is performed under an anesthetic. The dental procedure
consists of removing plaque and tartar from teeth and from under the
gums using sonic, ultrasonic, and hand scaling. The teeth are then
polished and fluoride is applied to help protect the teeth between
dental cleanings. In cases where there are deep pockets next to the
teeth, a material of slow absorbing antibiotic may be applied to
help heal the pockets. An additional protective sealant can be
applied to help prevent plaque buildup between cleanings.
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When is it
Necessary to Extract a Tooth? |
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Dental disease can cause gum recession which
causes teeth to become loose. Dental disease rarely results in
cavities for dogs. Teeth can become abscessed and, in
cats, enamel erosion at the gum line can occur. In these cases, our
veterinarians will determine if the tooth can be saved or if the
tooth needs to be extracted.
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How can
Periodontal Disease be Prevented? |
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You Can Stop Dental Disease Before It
Starts ...
In addition to home care dental products and dental control diets,
routine dental cleaning, polishing, and fluoride treatments can keep
you pet's teeth and gums healthy and breath smelling fresh.
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