I have heard so much on dental difficulties disturbing humans and I am sure you have also heard a case or two of such, but have you heard about dental issues in pets, or have you ever imagined your pet having dental issues? While we may not have previously seen or heard about many dental cases is pets, it will interest you to know that, dental issues happens to be one of the most common medical conditions that has seen by veterinarians. It is on record that, more than 80% of dogs above the age of three have a dental disease, only a few dogs show signs of dental disease, so it depends on the family of the dog or veterinarian to uncover the painful reality of the pet.
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Periodontium is made up of four tissues: the gingiva which is the gums, the cementum which is the covering of the root surface, the periodontal ligament, which attaches the root of the tooth to the bone, and also bones surrounding the tooth. Periodontal disease is the description of an infection and tissues surrounding the tooth.
Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis, and when left untreated, the infection would spread more deep into the socket of the teeth, destroying the bone, which ultimately makes the tooth becomes weak and falls out. Plaque happens as a combination of proteins from saliva and oral bacteria, the building happens immediately after brushing, and it is an instigator for gingivitis, that is the reason why it is advisable for children to brush teeth, this is a similar case for our dog's too, and we are advised to brush for them too. When there is mineralized plaque, it can only be taken out through professional polishing and scaling by a vet, the procedure requires an anesthesia to be carried out.
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Malocclusion is the presentation of abnormal fit between the jaw and teeth. Some dogs experience malocclusions that makes their teeth hit other teeth, lips or palate
Tooth fractures can happen to pets as well, when a tooth breaks and there is an invasion of bacteria, then the tooth dies, this is often a painful experience when the nerve is exposed and tooth is dying. Tooth fractures can be treated through tooth extraction or the extraction of root canal, the extraction will help in getting rid of the source of infection and inflammation, it also removes dead pulp, and the space is filled up with a bicompatible substance. A dog can get tooth fracture by chewing on hard objects like crates, toys and others.
Treating a dog with dental disease is subject to each dog, how serious the disease has gotten, the type of disease, and the aim of the treatment. Gingivitis or early stage of periodontal disease in a dog can be treated with scaling and polishing. An advanced level of periodontal disease with serious bone loss around the teeth can be treated better with tooth extraction. With the diseased or loose teeth being extracted, a more functional and healthier mouth is formed, as the pain and inflammation has given way.
When the act of teeth brushing is introduced at an early age, it becomes a part of the dog's daily routine, and with this consistent act, periodontal disease can be avoided. Other products like chews, water additives, and dental diets can help to prevent tartar and plaque.
Dogs can also experience similar oral conditions with humans, the most common dental diseases with humans is, cavities or tooth decay, but in dogs, it is periodontal disease and fractured teeth. Tooth decay is rare in dogs unlike humans who experience a great deal of tooth decay, toothpastes made for humans should not be used for dogs.
Dental diseases in dogs goes beyond just affecting the mouth, but with the development of dental diseases, there is an increased number of bacteria living within the mouth and oral tissues. This bacteria can then get into the bloodstream and travel to other areas within the body, creating a distant or systemic effect, this effect may happen due to the actions of the bacteria, and from the body's natural immune system against the bacteria.
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