Spring 2000
Terrific Teeth
Our teeth have to last a long time, and they work very, very hard in their lifetime! Humans can care for their teeth by brushing and flossing, and visiting the dentist annually. Studies of groups of humans who do not brush their teeth daily show that their lifespans are shortened considerably. This is because there is a huge population of "bugs" living in our mouths. Without good oral hygiene, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream and infect other organs, like the heart, kidneys and liver, causing severe illness. Daily brushing keeps these nasty bugs under control, and our teeth are healthy and serve us for many years.
Dogs and cats are also at risk from nasty peridontal disease. Peridontal disease is the term given to problems of the teeth and gums. Most dogs and cats do not get their teeth brushed daily by their humans, and as a result, periodontal disease can set in early in their life. It will make their gums reddened and sore, yellow tartar and calculus will build up and coat the teeth, and eventually, bacteria will creep under the gums and dissolve the cement which holds the tooth in place. The result - BAD breath and teeth which fall out! Their mouths become so inflamed and sore, eating becomes difficult. That bone or biscuit which was a treat is now torture. Peridontal disease means that our beloved pets will breathe their germs and smelly breath over us, but worse, they are probably very uncomfortable with a sore and infected mouth, and at risk from dangerous systemic diseases!
What are the causes of periodontal disease? We feed our pets bones and give them chew toys, they eat hard and soft food, so why do their teeth go bad? Peridontal disease is not a problem in the wild, though domestic pets live much longer than the average dingo or leopard. Certainly feeding bones (synthetic or real) is one of the best things you can do for your friend’s breath, but for some animals it just is not enough. Some animals can be trained to have their teeth brushed daily by their humans, though maybe you don’t fancy wrestling with your pooch’s canines or facing your cat’s puncture-tools. However, routine dental screens by the vet allow early recognition of problems. Vets can perform a dental which involves a short general anaeasthetic, then using the same type of ultrasonic scaling equipment as your human dentist to clean teeth. Any problem teeth can be removed while the animal is asleep, and they will wake with clean, fresh breath, pearly whites and improved health. They won’t spread oral germs over their coat (or you!) when they groom. There are toothpaste-like products that you can smear on their bowl which release enzymes that destroy nasty oral bacteria to help maintain fresh breath.
Peridontal disease is far too common in this country, and must be very uncomfortable for our canine and feline friends. It is best treated early so they can maintain a healthy, pearly grin in their old age.
Zoe Lenard |
Imagine if you could not eat anything, the only way you could get your sustenance was to slurp through a straw! Neglect your teeth, and they will FALL OUT. 
Many owners will recognize that a cat with an abscess needs treatment. Just as an abscess needs treatment, so does severe periodontal disease, as the same bugs live in the mouth as those that are injected under the skin to create an abscess. 