DENTAL DISEASE & IT'S EFFECTS
HOW WE CAN PROTECT OUR PETS

There are many pets who live shortened, miserable lives because of unnoticed or unmanaged dental disease. Many pet owners think it is normal for the teeth to “fall out” of an eight-year-old pet. The human companion animal bond is greatly diminished by severe dental disease that causes bad breath and irritability in the pet who used to be allowed to “give kisses”. Pets say “hello” by licking and nuzzling and if their breath smells bad they will not be allowed this normal part of their social behavior. The unfortunate thing is that by the time the breath smells bad or the teeth are noticed to have disease, it is often too late to save the normal dental structure of the mouth. There are ways to prevent and treat dental disease, by following your veterinarian’s recommendations your pet can live a longer happier life.

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
 

Periodontal disease is the disease process occurring around the tooth that leads to the loss of the tooth from destruction of the bone that holds the tooth in place. The presence of tartar on the tooth surface is only a sign that periodontal disease is occurring. This disease process develops because of the reaction to bacteria growing in the food-saliva residue left under the gum line after eating. The way the body reacts to bacteria is with white blood cell invasion and inflammation. This causes a “war zone” around the tooth. This “war zone” causes the destruction of the bone that holds the tooth in place.
 

	Stage 1 Gingivitis Gum Tissue around the teeth can become inflamed and swollen. Plaque and tartar are usually present on the teeth.
	Stage 2 Mild Periodontitis Inflammation progresses to an infection that starts to destroy gum and bone tissue around the teeth. This can lead to discomfort for the dog, and bad breath may be noticeable.
	Stage 3 Moderate Periodontitis The continuing infection destroys more tissue around the teeth, often causing bleeding of gums and loosening of teeth. The discomfort and pain can affect eating habits and behavior.
	Stage 4 Severe Periodontitis Extensive infection is tearing down even more of the attachment tissues (gum and bone). Teeth are at risk of being lost.

Periodontal disease is very common – affecting over 85% percent of the mature cats and dogs in the United States. Periodontal disease is a preventable and treatable disease that threatens the life of the pet. Because the mouth has an abundant blood supply, bacteria from the infected  gum tissues are spread to the entire body, “showering” the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, joints and other tissues with infection.

The organs with the most blood flow are most susceptible to infection.  In humans, the most common cause of valvular heart infection is dental disease.
 

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

If you notice that your dog has any of these symptoms, be sure to tell your veterinarian:

• Bad breath (one of the first signs of periodontal disease)
• Red or swollen gums
• A yellow-brown crust near the gum line
• Loose or missing teeth
• Discomfort when mouth or gums are touched
• Possible decreased appetite or weight loss due to difficulty chewing

HOW CAN I HELP PREVENT  PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

Having your pet’s teeth cleaned is an important part of general health care maintenance for your pet. The teeth are a potential source for life threatening infections to the heart, liver and kidney if periodontal disease develops. Pet’s teeth are very similar to human’s teeth and dental disease is very common in cats and dogs. Routine dental care is recommended. Having Noah’s cleaning with your pet’s teeth, followed with home care is the best way to insure the long life of your pet’s teeth.

Like people, animals need professional teeth cleaning on a routine basis (every 6 to 18 months). Since even a simple dental procedure can cause bleeding of the gums, your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic prior to cleaning to reduce and prevent the spread of infection to other organs. This antibiotic may also be continued after the teeth are cleaned.

Please call Noah’s to make an appointment for a courtesy dental exam. We will provide you with a written treatment plan for the best treatment for your pet.
 

INTRODUCING: THE PORPHYROMONAS VACCINE

What is the Porphyromonas Vaccine? 

The Porphyromonas Denticanis-Gulae-Salivosa Bacterin is a new vaccine designed to aid in the prevention of canine periodontitis as demonstrated by a reduction in bone changes (osteolysis/osteosclerosis). It’s the first and only vaccine to aid in the prevention of canine periodontitis.

In 2004, Pfizer Animal Health conducted a study to identify the most common oral bacterial pathogens associated with canine periodontitis. The key bacteria found in 75 percent of the dogs cultured included P. denticanis, P. gulae and P. salivosa. Once identified, Pfizer took the findings from the study and developed the Porphyromonas vaccine to target those key bacteria.

The vaccine is just one part of an overall oral health wellness routine that our veterinarians recommend. Pet owners also should regularly brush their dog’s teeth, provide appropriate chew toys, and schedule regular visits with their veterinarian.

Click here to read a product overview...
 

Did you know that…

TARTAR or CALCULUS is calcification or mineralization of the plaque. The calcium comes from the saliva and the salivary duct empties beneath the tongue and at the upper fourth premolar location. These are the first places tartar accumulates.

Giving your dog appropriate chew toys and feeding him specially formulated dog food for dental disease will help remove plaque between cleanings.
 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT HOW
NOAH'S PLACE CAN TAKE CARE OF YOUR PET'S TEETH
 

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