Pet pearlies

By Dr. Dawn Mehra
Reader Contributor

Does your pet’s mouth smell like dirty socks or day old fish? If so, he/she might be suffering from halitosis putting him/her at risk for infection, pain and organ problems.

Similar to humans, the better care we give to our pet’s mouth, the longer their potential life span. So, if you love your pet, treat him/her to a full mouth examination ASAP, especially if you need nose plugs to take a peek under the lip.

Plaque is actually an accumulation of bacteria, bad for the mammalian body. Frequent removal is key to an excellent hygiene program. If not brushed daily, plaque will progress into a hard and cement-like form called calculus. Infection commences. Bone loss occurs and tooth attachment loosens which can be quite painful. In addition to loose teeth, gum inflammation spreads bacteria to the liver, kidneys and heart.

It can be easy to brush your pet’s teeth using a small soft-bristled toothbrush and veterinary toothpaste. Remember to stay away from human formulations because not only do they taste bad, some ingredients can be toxic.

Can I just use my fingernail to remove calculus?

First of all, calculus is very hard to remove by hand. Even if “chipped off” disease under the gum-line hasn’t been addressed. Dull or improperly-cared-for equipment can cause enamel damage, set up a rough surface for plaque to accumulate faster, and expose the next layer, dentin, which is very sensitive to air and temperature.

Why is anesthesia necessary to clean my pet’s teeth?

Anesthesia provides three important functions: immobilization in order to clean properly above and below the gum line, pain relief and the ability to place a tube into the windpipe so bacterial products do not enter the lungs.

Steps to a healthy mouth:

•General examination/blood-work

•Oral exam under anesthesia

•Tartar removal with ultrasonic scaler

•Scaling/root planing (below the gum-line) where indicated

•Dental charting

•Therapy if necessary

•Follow up

What is the cost of a professional cleaning?

It is difficult to determine precisely what the procedure will cost until we know the status of your pet’s teeth and gums. We can quote general cleaning and radiograph fees, every patient has these in common. A follow up treatment plan will be communicated to you after a tooth-by-tooth exam is conducted under anesthesia.

What can I do to increase the interval between professional cleanings?

Daily brushing helps tremendously. Recently, prescription diets manufactured specifically to help control plaque have gained much momentum. Rinses, enzymatic chew toys, breath fresheners combine to help limit the bacteria count, tartar accumulation and gum disease, thus lengthening the time between professional cleanings.

What toys should I avoid to protect my pet’s teeth?

Chewing on objects harder than teeth (rocks, cooked bones) can easily lead to cracked teeth. Cow and horse hoof commonly cause damage to the upper premolars. Rough Tug-of-war games, especially in young animals, can lead to disruption of permanent teeth eruption.

What happens if my pet cracks a tooth?

If your pet fractures a tooth, treatment options include vital pulp capping, root canal therapy, or extraction. Unattended, the exposed root and nerve can be quite painful initially. Moreover, these teeth are considered contaminated and can lead to future infection.

Questions? Contact Dr. Dawn Mehra: www.idahovet.com 208-265-5700 North Idaho Animal Hospital 320 S. Ella St. Sandpoint