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Halitosis(hal-i-to'-sis)
noun: from Latin… a condition of having fetid breath.
--Merriam-Webster
Dictionary, 2001
Best
friend's "halitosis" have you limiting the number
of kisses you get each day? Read on!
Pets with periodontal disease or abscessed teeth have oral
pain just as people do, although by nature they may not show
pain as people do. What's more, current research shows that
pets with dental infection have higher rates of kidney, liver,
heart and lung disease. This statistic is extremely important
to the well being of your pet! Why? Because bacteria from
your pet's mouth can travel throughout the body, lodging in
these organs causing serious symptoms and disease.
Nassau Veterinary Clinic's approach to dental care in pets
is directed at preventing infection and pain more than the
cosmetic aspects of tooth care. Dental exams and recommendations
are routinely done with your pet's annual physical. If you
suspect your pet is having trouble eating, is painful in the
mouth or on the face, drools, or has the signature "halitosis"
be sure to call it to the attention of your veterinarian.
Our technicians are trained in performing the same five-step
dental cleaning exactly as your dental hygienist performs
them on you. First, dental tartar is removed from the surface
of the teeth using ultrasonic and hand instruments. Second,
the areas under the gums are cleaned with dental curettes
to prevent pocket formation. Third, the teeth are polished
to remove microscopic residues of tartar and to smooth the
enamel to slow future tartar formation. Fourth, the area under
the gum is flushed of all debris, and lastly, fluoride is
applied to harden the enamel and to help prevent infection.
If serious disease is found, dental x-rays are taken to determine
the extent of tooth root involvement. NVC uses the same type
of dental x-rays that your dentist would use on you. If the
teeth can be saved with periodontal surgery, your veterinarian
can discuss those options with you during the procedure. Unfortunately,
teeth which have lost their bony attachments, may need to
be extracted. Dog and cat teeth are multi-rooted, and due
to the expanded nature of their teeth, we usually need to
section the tooth with a power dental drill (again, much the
same as your dentist's drill), then remove each root separately.
If the tooth's socket is large, we fill the socket with a
bioactive glass to stimulate bone repair, helping to prevent
weakening of the jaw strength. The gum is then sutured over
the area to hasten healing.
Of course, your pet won't sit still in a dentist's chair
with an open mouth, so general anesthesia is required for
dental procedures. Your veterinarian will recommend following
the same protocol (such as bloodwork, IV fluids, etc.) as
with any other time your pet requires anesthesia. NVC offers
a wide range of dental care. Owners are encouraged to discuss
any concerns you have about your pet's dental health with
your veterinarian.
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