How To Treat Periodontal Disease In Dogs
Posted on: 15 March 2016
When choosing a veterinarian clinic, make sure you find one that has dental certifications. The main veterinarian might be licensed to do dental work on pets, or there might be a specialized veterinary dentist who is in the office a few days of the week. This is especially important for dog owners. Dogs need to have their teeth cleaned and checked on a regular basis, just like humans. And just as it is with normal dentistry, animal dentistry is all about prevention. This article explains the importance of having your dog's teeth checked for periodontal disease.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, periodontitis and gingivitis, is common in both dogs and cats. It is a result of bacteria that forms on the tooth, which we normally call plaque. However, when this plaque starts to creep beneath the gum line, it can cause serious gum damage and increase the risk of tooth loss.
How Do I Detect Periodontal Disease?
While periodontal disease is most commonly found in older pets, it needs to be diagnosed and fixed while the pet is young. This is a particularly dangerous disease if it is not treated by a veterinarian. Even a moderately severe case of periodontitis may not affect the behavior of your dog. Furthermore, you might not even be able to notice any signs of the disease if you even take the time to take a close look at your dog's teeth. You might notice your dog's breath getting worse and worse over the years. While this is a symptom of periodontal disease, you might be too late to reverse it. The disease needs to be detected and treated by a veterinarian to have a real chance of treating and preventing it from being a serious problem. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead not only to tooth loss, but also to decay of the jawbone and even diabetes.
How to Veterinarians Treat Periodontal Disease?
If your veterinarian suspects that your dog is suffering from periodontal disease, they will do more than just look into the mouth. For a full and proper inspection, your dog will need to be anesthetized.
To avoid expensive dental surgeries and regular visits to the vet, you need to take care of your dog's teeth. Regular brushing and a tooth friendly diet are key to a healthy mouth. But, no matter how well you take care of your dog's teeth, you should have them checked by a veterinarian. For more information, contact a clinic such as Metzger Animal Hospital.
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