Animal Care Center & Pet Resort
800 Pulaski Highway
Joppa, MD 21085
Phone 410-676-2525 Fax 410-676-5151
My Pet's Mouth
YES. One of the hardest things to get people to understand is the importance of dental care for their pets. Imagine never brushing your teeth or never having that toothache taken care of. And it all starts with a little tartar or a slight case of gingivitis that goes unnoticed or untreated.
The cause of gum disease is the same in cats and dogs as it is in
people.
Gum disease is an infection resulting from build-up of soft dental
plaque on the surfaces of the teeth around the gums. The bacteria in
dental plaque irritate the gum tissue if plaque is allowed to
accumulate, which often leads to infection in the bone surrounding the
teeth.
Hard dental tartar (calculus) consists of calcium salts from saliva
deposited on plaque. Tartar starts to form within a few days on a tooth
surface that is not kept clean, and provides a rough surface that
enhances further plaque accumulation. Once it has begun to grow in
thickness, tartar is difficult to remove without dental instruments.
The gums become irritated, leading to bleeding and oral pain, and your
cat or dog may lose its appetite or drop food from its mouth while
eating.
The roots may become so severely affected that some teeth become loose
and fall out.
Bacteria surrounding the roots gain access to the blood stream ("bacteremia").
Studies have shown that dogs with severe periodontal disease have more
severe microscopic damage in their kidneys, heart muscle and liver than
do dogs with less severe periodontal disease.*
Here are some photos of what periodontal disease looks like.
The following may be disturbing to some viewers.
Note the Pus between the teeth and the gum loss above them.
Severe gum loss along with gingivitis and a bacterial infection.
Gingivitis, gum loss, staining and a fair amount of pus.
Tartar and plaque build up. Should be reversed by a thorough dental cleaning and home dental care.
Most of the teeth you have just seen had to be extracted due to the severity of the disease.
We can slow down or in some cases eliminate periodontal disease by working together and forming the proper plan for your pet's shiny smile.
Now
that is a healthy smile!
After
a cleaning!
The number one reason why a lot of owners even want to discuss their pet's teeth is due to bad breath.
Sometimes we can resolve this with home dental care such as dental chews, brushing the teeth at home, oral rinses and in a few cases dental diets.
Other times we see a mouth that needs a little more "tough love" with dental instruments along with a home plan.
Managing your pet's dental care is only as good as what you put in it. We can give you the tools and provide the resources but there has to be a follow through in order to achieve dental domination!!!
Of course we provide
at the time of
the dental consult.
Brushing
Get your cat or dog used to your looking
into his mouth. After each time you do so,
reward him with a treat or praise. 
Buy a pet dental kit, including
toothpaste (made for
dogs and cats) and a toothbrush, at a pet
store or from your vet. Follow the kit's
instructions for use. Research alternatives,
such as a finger toothbrush, if your pet refuses
to let you brush his teeth with a toothbrush.
Ask your veterinarian for suggestions. 
Brush your cat's or dog's teeth with a
gentle, massaging motion.
If only they could do it on their own.
PREVENTION is the key!! Always ask your vet about your pet's teeth!
Animal Care Center & Pet Resort is located at 800 Pulaski Highway Joppa, MD 21085 (410) 676-2525