August is Dental Month!

We're here to talk about all things dental. You may want to know more about the options available in small animal dentistry. You may want to know why we're harping on dental health in our pets when they've evolved in the wild without needing veterinary dentistry. Or maybe you don't get how dental health maintenance in our pets costs as much as it does. Whatever the reason, we're glad you're here, and we hope there's something in this series that interests you!

What is dental disease?

Dental disease in companion animals refers to a range of conditions that affect the teeth and gums of dogs, cats, and other pets. These conditions can include periodontal disease, gingivitis, tooth decay, and other oral health problems.

Periodontal disease is the most common dental disease in companion animals, and it is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. When not removed (e.g., by toothbrushing), it mineralises, creating a rough surface on the tooth and allowing oral bacteria to nest and proliferate. Over time, this buildup can lead to inflammation and infection of the gums, which can cause the gums to recede and the teeth to become loose or even fall out.

Gingivitis is another common name for dental disease in pets, and it is characterised by inflammation of the gums. This condition can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums.

Tooth decay, caused by bacterial infection of the tooth, can also occur in companion animals. Left untreated, it can cause pain, discomfort, and tooth loss.

Dental disease in companion animals can cause significant pain and discomfort for the pet and lead to other health problems. Regular dental checkups, proper dental hygiene, and a healthy diet can help prevent dental disease in pets.

In veterinary dentistry, we classify each patient’s dental disease in stages:

• Stage 1: Gingivitis without loss of attachment (gum recession) - this is caused by plaque, which builds up on the teeth and gums after every meal.
• Stage 2: Early periodontal disease, with less than 25% loss of attachment
• Stage 3: Established periodontal disease, with 25-50% loss of attachment
• Stage 4: Advanced periodontal disease, with more than 50% loss of attachment

What causes dental disease in my pet?

Dental disease in companion animals can have various causes, including:

• Poor dental hygiene: A lack of proper dental hygiene can lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar, which can cause gum inflammation and tooth decay. We'll be sharing ways to provide dental hygiene in the next edition!
• Genetics: Certain breeds of pets are more prone to dental disease due to their genetics.
• Diet: A diet high in sugar or carbohydrates can lead to dental problems in pets.
• Age: As pets age, their teeth may become more susceptible to dental disease.
• Health conditions: Some health conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of dental disease in pets.
• Trauma or frequent wear: Trauma to the mouth or teeth or habitual chewing on rocks/tennis balls/sticks can cause dental disease or damage.
• Lack of dental checkups: Dental problems can go unnoticed without regular dental checkups and progress to more severe conditions.

It's important to note that dental disease in companion animals can lead to significant pain, discomfort, and even more severe health issues if left untreated. Regular dental checkups, proper dental hygiene, and a healthy diet can help prevent dental disease in pets.

Prevalence of Dental Disease in Pets

Dental disease is a widespread problem. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, over 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by age three. In cats, by age three, over 70% will have some form of dental disease. Other studies have estimated that 85% of dogs and 85% of cats over four years old have some periodontal disease.

The prevalence of dental disease in pets can vary based on breed, age, and other factors. Cats and small breed dogs, such as toy breeds and miniature poodles, are often more prone to dental disease due to their small mouths and crowded teeth. Older pets are also more likely to develop dental disease, as their teeth have been exposed to wear and tear.

Regular dental checkups and preventative dental care can help prevent or reduce the severity of dental disease. This includes regular teeth cleaning and polishing, dental X-rays, and other necessary interventions. Pet owners can also help prevent dental disease in their pets by providing them with appropriate dental hygiene products, such as toothbrushing and dental chews, and feeding them a healthy diet.

The impact of dental disease on your pet’s health and well-being

As owners, the first thing we often notice about our pets when they have dental disease is halitosis or bad breath. However, the impacts of dental disease on your pet’s body are more than just superficial.

Inflammation

As discussed above, dental disease starts with the proliferation of bacteria in the teeth and gums. The body combats this with inflammation, but while inflammation kills off bacteria, it also damages the body tissues. The bacteria often win the battle and can then enter the bloodstream and attack other tissues in the body, such as the heart.

Heart Disease

The condition becomes known as endocarditis when bacteria lodge and multiply in the heart. According to WSAVA, the risk of endocarditis is six times higher in dogs with stage 3 periodontal disease.

Impact on the Liver and Kidneys

The liver and kidneys are two other target organs for oral bacteria. Their primary functions are filtering blood and removing toxins and waste products. Infection and inflammation within the liver and kidneys can cause signs of systemic infection (such as fever, weight loss, and decreased appetite) while also interfering with the function of these organs (liver disease or kidney disease).

Diabetes

Diabetic pets tend to have worse dental disease. The inflammation and infection arising from dental disease decrease the body’s sensitivity to insulin, making diabetes challenging to stabilise with insulin supplementation alone. Therefore, most commonly, diabetic pets will require dental examination and treatment by a veterinarian before their diabetes can be successfully stabilised.

Pain

Our pets often still eat well in the face of intense oral pain. Hunger is a motivator! But there may be subtle changes in how they eat, such as chewing using only one side of the mouth or not chewing at all. We often have pet owners acknowledge the existence of oral pain after having their pet treated because the improvement in their pet’s demeanour is so significant.

A Broken Jaw

As inflammation and infection progresses in the mouth, the bone surrounding the teeth begins to wear away. In pets with small jaws and disproportionately large teeth, this can be significant enough to fracture the jaw after a minimally traumatic incident, such as jumping off the couch. Fractured jaws can also occur during veterinary dental treatment, as sometimes the diseased tooth is the only thing holding the jaw together!

Oronasal Fistulae and Tooth root abscesses

While damage to the lower jaw often results in fracture, damage to the upper jaw most commonly results in oronasal fistulae, which is open communication between the oral and nasal cavities. The bacteria and inflammation have eaten away at the bone between the nose and mouth, leaving a hole. This is most pronounced once the tooth has been removed and may require surgical closure.

An abscess may form when infection progresses to the root of the tooth. The abscess causes swelling, inflammation, and pain and, left untreated, will often burst open through the pet’s skin. Abscesses at the roots of the molar teeth may cause swelling behind the eye, causing the eye to bulge.

Mental Health

While dental disease in pets is primarily a physical health issue, it can also impact their mental health and behaviour. Dental disease can cause pain, discomfort, and other unpleasant sensations affecting the pet's overall well-being.

For example, pets with dental disease may experience chronic pain, which can cause them to become irritable, agitated, or withdrawn. They may be less likely to engage in activities they previously enjoyed, such as playing or going for walks. In severe cases, dental disease can even lead to depression and anxiety.

Dental disease can also affect a pet's appetite, as they may have difficulty chewing or experience pain while eating. This can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, further affecting the pet's mental and emotional well-being.

In addition to the physical effects of dental disease, the bad breath and other symptoms associated with the condition can also impact the pet's interactions with their human family. Pets with bad breath may be less likely to receive attention and affection from their owners, contributing to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

It's not all doom and gloom!

It sounds bad, doesn't it? Fortunately, we can treat dental disease! And we have loads of preventative care and home care options. In the next blog in this series, we'll talk about our approach to dental care at Nelson Bay Vet, and how we can help you do your best to look after your pets' teeth!