Pet Dentistry

A regular inspection of your pet's mouth is important to detect early stages of periodontal disease and dental infections. Often the very first sign of dental disease is the odor that comes from the mouth.

Periodontal disease is an advancing disease of the supporting tissue around the teeth and once infected can lead to the loss of teeth. Plaque with food and saliva combine to form tartar.

Tartar then builds up and appears as a brownish color on the teeth and the gum line which can cause gingivitis, drooling, sores, difficulty in chewing and the loss of teeth.

Grade 1 :

• Plaque and calculus deposit.
•  Inflamed gingiva.
• Zero bone loss.
• Mild plaque and calculus with marginal gingivitis which can be reversed with scale and polish. Pocket depth <2mm
  

Grade 2:

• Plague and calculus extended down
• Pocket forming.
• Mild bone loss.
• Plaque and calculus has extended to the root with ginival recession and furcation    exposure. Root pocket depth 2-4 mm
  

Grade 3:

• Plaque and calculus extended down.
• Deepening pocket.
• Extensive bone reduction and inflammation causing pain. 
• Plaque and calculus is further down with ulcerated gingiva and a 25-50% bone loss.  Pocket depth 4-8mm
  

Grade 4:

• Extensive plaque and calculus
• Severe inflammation which cause pain and hard to eat.
• Deep Pocket
• Severe bone and gum loss.
• Significant loss of gingiva and 50% of bone loss and tooth mobility. Pocket depth 8mm. 

The benefits of a dental cleaning is not only the visible removal of tartar but the bacteria under the gums and eliminates potential infections to other organs. A dental is always done under anesthesia to keep your pet free from pain. There are a number of steps that can be done after a dental to keep the teeth clean and to lengthen the period between the next dental cleaning. Brushing can certainly remove food particles but please don't use human toothpaste. We offer many products to help ensure that tartar is kept to a minimum.

*promotes C.E.T. dental care products for cats and dogs. (pic of products in email)