Dental Health

Plaque and tartar buildup on your pet's teeth harbor harmful bacteria. These bacteria can infect gum tissue and the roots of teeth, resulting in disease and tooth loss. In addition to the impact on the oral cavity, bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the large network of blood vessels located near the gums and teeth. Recent studies have documented that certain heart, liver and kidney diseases may be associated with these bacteria.

Depending on your pet's "grade" of dental disease, your course of treatment may vary from at home preventative measures such as oral rinses or dental chews or brushings to the dental vaccine to professional dental cleanings as the severity of dental disease intensifies.

Grade 1 Plaque accumulates at the gumline and there may be slight redness' and bad breath.	Grade 2 Calculus forms at the gumline, and there is redness and swelling.
Grade 3 Same as above + gum begins to separate from the tooth. The veterinarian will use a dental probe to determine the depth of the separation. Mouth ulcers may be forming. Pus and bleeding may be present.	Grade 4 There is major loss of attachment between the gum and tooth. The teeth may be loose. Pus and bleeding may be present. The mouth odor is extremely foul.

In addition to more invasive preventative techniques, the Porphyromonas Vaccine (“dental vaccine”) by Pfizer was recently introduced in the veterinary field. It is approved for the vaccination of healthy dogs as an aid in preventing periodontitis, as demonstrated by a reduction in bone changes. The dental vaccine is the first and only vaccine to aid in the prevention of canine periodontitis which affects 85% of dogs over 3 years of age.

Our Registered Veterinary Technicians will be pleased to provide a complimentary dental evaluation of your pet’s teeth, determining their “grade” and making recommendations for care.

Home Dental Care
Professional Dental Cleaning
FAQs on Dental Health for Dogs and Cats