Dental Disease can Reduce your Dog's Life Span By 5 Years
By: Dr. Wesley Borgman
Dental disease is the number one undiagnosed condition in pets today.
More than 85% of our pets will have early stage dental disease by the
time they are three years old. Most owners know their pets have bad
breath, but they don't realize this a major indicator for dental
disease and that their dogs are at a higher risk for heart disease.
How can you help to make sure your pet is not one of those destined to
be on heart medication?
Dental disease in our pets starts the same way as with humans. It
begins when food particles, saliva, and bacteria attached to the teeth
produce a filmy substance called "plaque". If this substance is not
disrupted, "calculus" forms. More commonly known as tartar, the
calculus makes the surface of the tooth rough and provides a better
hold for more bacteria and helps to protect the bacteria from being
dislodged. These bacteria will then infect the gums, causing a
condition known as gingivitis. If not treated appropriately,
gingivitis can progress into periodontal disease, destroying the bone
that supports the tooth. There is an association between dirty teeth
and other serious diseases. The same bacteria that cause dental
disease have been found in the hearts of dogs with heart disease.
The American Animal Hospital Association strongly recommends owner's
take an active role in their pet's dental care and bring pet's in for
twice yearly exams of the mouth and teeth beginning when puppies and
kittens are two months old.
At home, a weekly check of the mouth may help find issues before they
become dangerous. You should take time to look for plaque and tartar,
especially on the large canine teeth in the front of the mouth and the
big shearing teeth in the back of the mouth. In addition to using your
eyes, your nose can be an important tool as well. Pets are not
supposed to have bad breath! If you can detect any foul odor, or if
you see any problems in your pet's mouth, your pet should be seen by
your family veterinarian.
Unfortunately, good oral health care hasn't been an important part of
the veterinary school curriculum until recent years. Many
veterinarians simply were not taught the serious health consequences
of untreated dental disease. Less than 35% of pets who need a dental
cleaning ever receive one. At the Seminole Animal Hospital, I have had
pet owners tell me that they just didn't know their pets needed dental
work or even that their pets suffered from dental disease. Dental care
of dogs and cats is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of pet
health care. If you are concerned your pet may suffer from dental
disease, you can call our office at 407-330-7387 for an evaluation.
February is pet dental month and we will be opening up additional
appointments for dental evaluations and cleanings. Our office is
located on HE Thomas between Lake Mary and Sanford.
It's important for all pet owners to know that pets can lead longer
and healthier lives with good dental care. In fact, studies show that
proper dental care can extend a pet's life by as much as five years!
You are an important part of the fight against dental disease. For
more information on veterinary dentistry, visit www.wesborgman.com.
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Dr. Wesley Borgman is the veterinarian at the Seminole Animal
Hospital, 2515 W. 25th Street, Sanford, FL. He is now accepting new
patients and can be reached at 407-330-7387.