Dentistry/Oral Care

Unfortunately for us, animals have evolved to conceal their pain and maladies from predators. For this reason and because the mouth is “out of sight”, most oral disease processes are not evident until complications have developed. An astonishing 85% of dogs and 70% of cats show oral disease by age 3. As guardians of our pets, it is very important for us to maintain their oral health, an integral part of keeping them healthy and happy.

Signs of oral disease are many. These may include:

• tartar and calculus (yellow-brown discoloration on the tooth),
• gingivitis (red, swollen, or bleeding gums)
• loose or missing teeth
• loss of appetite
• difficulty eating
• increased drooling
• pawing at the mouth

Regular dental care is vitally important in ensuring your pet's overall health. A mouth full of bacteria can cause serious health problems for pets in addition to tooth loss or painful gum disease. Periodontal disease may cause bacteria and toxins to enter the blood stream, carrying the infection to other parts of the pet's body, most commonly the heart, liver, and kidneys. Periodontal disease is very common in older pets. Proper dental care includes regular veterinary dental check-ups, home dental care and dental cleanings as needed. Your pet's overall health and well being can be significantly improved. Your veterinarian can discuss the best dental care plan specifically for your pet.

Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (Neck Lesions) According to information presented at the American Veterinary Dental Forum, if your cat is over five years old, there is a 72% chance he or she has a painful feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion (FORL). These dental resorptions also called neck lesions can occur in any tooth. The most commonly affected teeth are the lower premolars.

Unlike cavities in humans, which are the result of bacterial enzymes and acids digesting the teeth, the cause of FORLs are unknown. Specifically, cells known as odontoclasts are found in the defects causing the tooth structure to dissolve. What triggers this reaction has not been determined for certain but a reaction to plaque on the teeth seems to be the major factor.

Cats affected with FORLs may show hypersalivation, oral bleeding, or have difficulty chewing. A majority of affected cats do not show obvious signs but are in pain. A cotton tipped applicator applied to the suspected FORL causes pain with jaw spasms when the FORL is touched. This is a very painful condition and requires extraction of the tooth.