Coral Breeze Animal Hospital - Veterinarian In Boynton Beach, FL USA

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Dental Care

Routine dental cleaning is an often-overlooked part of your pet's preventative health care plan. At Coral Breeze Animal Hospital, we offer ultrasonic dental scaling and polishing, which is the most effective way of removing tartar and plaque. Tartar and plaque can cause your pet to develop bad breath, loose teeth, and painful gums. Gingivitis may lead to problems later on, such as difficulty eating, tooth root abscesses, and liver and kidney problems from trapped bacteria.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE IS A MAJOR HEALTH RISK FOR YOUR PET.

· It is the most common disease in small animal practice.

· It is PAINFUL.

· It is PREVENTABLE (the term for prevention is “prophylaxis”).

SOME IMPORTANT TERMS:

· Gingivitis: inflammation of the gingiva (i.e. gum line) only.

· Periodontitis: inflammation and disease of all structures that support the teeth.

· Plaque: a “biofilm” consisting of 80% bacteria and bacterial toxins, 20% cellular

debris and food remnants. It is plaque (especially below the gum line) that causes

gingivitis and periodontitis.

· Calculus (i.e. tartar): is mineralized plaque that cannot be brushed off

	q No sign of plaque or calculus Home dental care is needed to maintain these healthy teeth and gums. Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly (3-4 times per week) is ideal. There are also products available to help make home dental care easier if brushing is not an option.
	q Stage 1 - Mild Gingivitis The margin of attached gum is inflamed. Plaque is present on the teeth. Home dental care is needed and possibly dental cleaning is needed to remove current plaque buildup.
	q Stage 2 - Moderate Gingivitis The gum line is inflamed and swollen. The mouth may be painful and odor is often noticeable. Dental cleaning to remove calculus is needed within the next month. A calculus control diet and/or home dental care are needed afterward for prevention.
	q Stage 3 - Severe Gingivitis The gums are cherry red and bleed easily – they are damaged by infection and calculus. A sore mouth and bad breath are evident. Dental cleaning to remove calculus is needed immediately. A calculus control diet and/or home dental care are needed afterward to prevent reoccurrence.
	q Stage 4 – Periodontal Disease Chronic infection is destroying the gums, teeth, and bone. Bacteria are spreading through the body via the bloodstream and may damage the kidneys, liver, and heart. Dental cleaning to remove calculus is needed immediately. Some teeth may need extraction. Home dental care afterward is necessary for future prevention. Photos and explanation of stages of periodontal disease courtesy of Virbac

Pets with routine dental care typically live longer and healthier lives.

In addition to performing a routine dental cleaning, we can also help you set up an oral hygiene maintenance program to keep your pet’s teeth healthy and bright.