 Hope Animal Hospital February 2009 Newsletter
February is Pet Dental Awareness Month
This month was created because dental care is extremely important to your pet’s health and longevity.
 Why Veterinary Dentistry?
Believe it or not, pets are diagnosed with dental disease more than any other infection. Not only does dental disease cause unpleasant breath in your cat or dog, it can cause your pet pain and suffering. Needless to say, nobody wants their pet to endure a painful inflammatory condition in which bacteria attacks the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone tissues that surround and support the teeth.
So What’s a Good Pet Owner to Do?
The first step is to have your pet examined at Hope Animal Hospital. This examination will look for dental problems and any secondary health problems that need to be addressed. During this exam please let us know if your pet suffers from any of these symptoms:
- Bad-breathe – one of the first signs of dental disease
- A yellowish-brown crust of tartar on the teeth near the gum line
- Red and swollen gums
- Pain or bleeding when eating, or when the month or gums are being touched
- Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
- Loose or missing teeth
Stop Bacteria Before It Starts
The first step, if dental disease has advanced, may be to start antibiotics. Most periodontal infections begin simply enough. Plaque which is composed of bacteria, salivary proteins and food debris—builds up in the space between teeth and gums, causing irritation, redness and swelling. Eventually, pockets form and deepen, allowing bacteria to damage the tissues that hold teeth in place.
At this stage, bacteria from the oral infection have a clear path to the animal’s bloodstream and vital organs. The organs with the highest blood flow are most susceptible to infection: lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, and even the brain. Damage to these organs caused by infection can shorten the lives of dogs and cats.
Dental Cleaning and Polishing for Good Health and Longevity
Like people, animals need professional teeth cleaning on a routine basis (every 6 to 18 months). At Hope Animal Hospital your pet will have pre-anesthetic blood work to evaluate your pet’s overall health before a dental cleaning. We will place an IV catheter for fluids and if needed, antibiotics during the procedure. If any painful procedures like tooth extractions are performed follow up pain medication will be given. We use only sterile instruments during your pet’s dental and provide modern anesthetics and careful monitoring.
 Home Care is Vital to Good Dental Health
 At Hope Animal Hospital we have many options to help you provide excellent home care. We are happy to help you with dental diets, dental chews, tooth brushes, toothpaste, and dental rinses.
Please call us at 636-349-0049 to schedule your free dental evaluation and we will provide an estimate for your pet’s needs.
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