Fight Periodontitis in Dogs and Cats
Dental diseases, especially periodontitis, are the most common health problems in our pets, affecting about 14% of dogs and about 21% of cats overall.
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the tooth-supporting apparatus (gums, bone, and connective tissue). It is usually caused by bacteria-laden dental plaque and, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and severe pain. If bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. enter the bloodstream, they can reach numerous organs and cause serious diseases, e.g. of the heart.
However, periodontitis is treatable and, more importantly, preventable if action is taken early.
Steps to stop periodontitis:
Regular veterinary dental check-ups:
The first and most important step is a professional examination by a veterinarian. A thorough dental examination, often including X-rays, is necessary to determine the extent of the periodontitis.
In advanced cases, professional teeth cleaning under anesthesia is essential. This involves removing the tartar (calculus). The plaque is also thoroughly removed from below the gum line.
Professional teeth cleaning:
The teeth cleaning (scaling and polishing) removes hard tartar (calculus) that has accumulated above and below the gum line.
After cleaning, the teeth are polished to smooth the rough surface of the teeth and slow down the adhesion of new plaque.
Tooth extractions (in severe cases):
In advanced cases of periodontitis, where the tooth-supporting apparatus is already severely damaged, it may be necessary to extract affected teeth to avoid pain and further infections.
Preventive measures:
Brushing teeth:
Regular tooth brushing is the most effective method to prevent plaque and tartar (calculus) formation. Ideally, brush your teeth daily with a special toothbrush and animal-friendly toothpaste (human toothpaste is toxicToxic means “poisonous” and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. to animals).
It may take some time for dogs or cats to get used to brushing their teeth, but this can be achieved with patience and positive reinforcement.
Dental care products:
There are various products such as enzymaticEnzymatic refers to processes catalyzed by enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that accelerate chemical reactions in the body and are essential for metabolism and numerous other vital functions. toothpastes, dental gels or mouthwashes that can help reduce plaque formation and protect the gums.
Dental care snacks or chew toys can also support dental hygiene by mechanically removing plaque.
Special diets:
There are special feeds that are designed to mechanically clean the teeth by rubbing off plaque. These diets or treats are often designed to have a cleaning effect when chewed.
Diets that contain ingredients that chemically reduce plaque deposits (e.g. chlorhexidine or hexametaphosphate) can also have a supportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. effect.
Regular follow-up examinations:
Even if the condition of the teeth improves, dogs and cats should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year to detect possible relapses early.
Importance of early detection:
Periodontitis is a progressiveProgressive describes a condition or disease that worsens over time. This term is often used to characterize the course of an illness that causes increasingly severe symptoms or damage. disease that develops slowly, often without obvious symptoms in the early stages.
Signs may include:
- Bad breath (halitosisHalitosis, or bad breath, is a condition characterized by unpleasant odors from the mouth. Causes can include dental problems, digestive system disorders, or respiratory issues.)
- Redness or bleeding of the gums
- Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
- Tooth loss or loose teeth
- Excessive drooling or difficulty eating
The earlier periodontitis is detected and treated, the better the chances of stopping the disease and restoring oralOral means “through the mouth” and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. health. PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. is key, and consistent dental care can help ensure the long-term health of dogs’ and cats’ teeth.