Happy 2014

Let's Start the New Year Off With Great Dental Care!

Dental care is critical to your pet's overall health and well-being. Dental disease may damage your pet's heart and chronic infection can adversely affect all vital organs. Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria from the mouth form on the teeth in a substance called plaque. The plaque makes it's way under the gum line and sets in motion a vicious circle, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. The bacteria in the sub-gingival plaque will secrete toxins. These toxins damage the periodontal tissues and can decrease the attachment. However, the bacteria will also elicit an inflammatory response from the animal's gingival tissues. White blood cells and other inflammatory mediators will leak out of the periodontal tissues and into the periodontal space (between the gum or bone and the tooth). The white blood cells will release their enzymes to destroy the bacterial invaders, but will also damage the attachment of the tooth. As this progresses, the pocket will get deeper and deeper. This will weaken the bone in the area, and if it is in the lower jaw it can weaken it to the point of causing a pathologic fracture. This is most common in older small breed dogs. The end stage of this disease is tooth loss, however the disease has caused problems well before this.

Don't forget Holly Tree Animal Hospital has dental month specials of 20% off on all services associated with a dental prophylaxis during January and February.

Call us today for your pet's dental appointment 864.288.8908