YORKY CLUB MAGAZINE #2 -- September 2004

Dental care: Sink your teeth into it - by Karen Tobias - DVM University of Tennessee

Dogs get dental disease just people, here's what will happen — and what to do — if your dog has tooth problems Consequences of gingivitis include bad breath; pain during chewing; "recession" of the gingival, resulting in root exposure; and eventually loosening of the teeth. Did you know that dogs get dental disease just like people? Dental plaque is a film composed of bacteria and their secretions; saliva; debris in the mouth; and occasional cells. Plaque accumulation occurs continuously on tooth surfaces and starts within minutes of cleaning a tooth. When plaque accumulates on the teeth, it causes irritation of the thin tissues at the edge of the gums — the gingiva. Bacteria in plaque get most of their nutrition from saliva. As plaque builds up below the surface of the gingival, the bacteria begin to feed on blood and local tissues.

As inflammation of the tissues, or "gingivitis," progresses, more bacteria adhere and multiple, secreting substances that increase the ability of the bacteria to stick to the teeth. As the plaque becomes thicker, inflammation to the gums becomes more severe, and more unfavorable types of bacteria will begin to grow along the tooth roots. In dogs plaque will mineralize, forming a hard concretion over the surface of the tooth.
Consequences of gingivitis include bad breath; pain during chewing; "recession" of the gingival, resulting in root exposure; and eventually loosening of the teeth. In dogs with severe gingivitis, bacteria will enter the bloodstream when the dogs eat, potentially causing damage to internal organs.

Affected dogs may lose weight, eat more slowly, avoid hard foods, occasionally cry in pain, and sometimes become depressed. During your dog's annual check-up, your veterinarian will look at your dog's teeth (particularly the large premolars and molars in the back of the mouth), to see whether dentistry is needed.

A dental "prophy" or teeth cleaning must be performed with your dog under anesthesia so that your veterinarian can clean underneath the gum line. If your dog has severe gingivitis and any heart disease or is on steroids, your veterinarian may want to start antibiotics several days before the procedure. For healthy dogs, a dose of antibiotics is usually given right before cleaning.

Once your dog's teeth have been cleaned, you will need to begin a home teeth-cleaning routine to reduce the risk of gingivitis formation. For dogs that will tolerate brushing, several types of doggy dentifrice — pastes, gels, liquids, or sprays — are available.
Make sure to use toothpaste specifically formulated for animals, since dogs will most likely swallow the toothpaste instead of spitting it out (fluoride can cause stomach upset).

Like all new training exercises, start slowly and with lots of praise, until your dog is comfortable with having all tooth surfaces brushed. Work in a circular motion on the tooth surface and be careful not to damage the gums. It may be easier to reach the back teeth if your dog is holding a toy in his mouth.
If your dog will not tolerate brushing, consider providing diets or chew products that reduce plaque accumulation.

Prescription Diet Canine t/d (Hill's Pet Nutrition) reduces plaque accumulation if fed as the sole diet (that means no other edible treats!). Special dental bones and rawhide chew products containing sodium hexametaphosphate will also reduce the rate of plaque and calculus formation (check your local pet store for products such as C.E.T. and Chew-eea).
Keep an eye on your dog when he chews rawhide and other poorly digestible products; if your dog swallows large pieces it could obstruct his esophagus, stomach or intestines.


This article was published on YC Magazine #2 - September 2004