Ginny's Top 10 Resolutions: Number 8

Getting better dental care is Ginny's number eight resolution. Why is this important? Eighty-five percent of all dogs and cats in the US have some level of dental disease making it the number one illness veterinarians see. Most pets will not exhibit any overt signs of pain unless a tooth abcesses or breaks, but periodontal disease can be very painful when your pet is eating. That means that not only does their breath smell pretty bad, but they are hurting to some extent, as well. In dogs there is a strong correlation between eating dry food and improved dental health while this isn't necessarily the case for cats. Dogs usually have plaque and tartar build up on their teeth that is composed of bacteria that then leads to peridontal disease of the gums. Left unaddressed this disease complex will lead to gum recession, bone recession, and tooth loss. In addition to possible tartar build up, cats can have one of two clinical syndromes: periodontal disease of varying degrees or a resorptive lesion disorder where the body actually begins to eat away the enamel of the teeth. These are both very painful. In both species there can be a strong genetic predisposition for poor dental health. What can you do? Start with a good oral exam to determine where your pet's oral health stands. Your veterinary health care team can then help you choose the best method for treating and preventing oral disorders.