Atascadero Pet CenterDentistry

Preventative dental care is one of the most neglected per heal care needs. Periodontal (gum) disease is the most common and serious pet dental problem.

The disease is caused by build up of plaque and calculus below the gum line. Plaque, a sticky, colorless, bacteria-laden film forms continuously on teeth. Calculus is made of calcium and phosphate mineral salts with organic matter. The calculus gets deposited on tooth surfaces, causing the gums to recede, and then bacteria pockets form. The bacteria infect the gum tissue, as well as the roots of the teeth. Eventually the affected teeth will fall out. The bacteria can mechanically reach the throat and cause respiratory infections and coughing. The bacteria can also enter the blood stream through blood vessels near the gum and infect organs elsewhere in the body.

Warning Signs

Many pets suffer in silence with dental disease. Others show acute pain while eating. Some pets act depressed. Bad breath and drooling are frequent signs of dental disease. Teeth are normally white and smooth. Health gums are pink, smooth and adhere tightly to teeth. Diseased gums are thickened, reddened, and bleed easily. If any warning sign is present you pet needs veterinary attention.

Treatment for most pets requires having teeth scaled, removing calculus at and beneath gum line, and them polishing tooth surfaces to make them smooth to reduce bacterial growth. These procedures are done under general anesthesia.

Home Care

Removing plaque before it hardens is the most important step in preventing periodontal disease. Feeding a proper diet including some crunchy food like Science Diet “Oral Care” stimulates gums and helps clean exposed teeth surfaces. Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly (at least twice a week) reduces plaque and calculus build-up at and beneath gum line. Products for brushing, C.E.T. oral hygiene chews, and special rinses are available in our store.