The Hidden Problem

Oral hygiene has perhaps been the most neglected aspect of pet health care. It is estimated that 90% of pets over 2 years of age have significant mouth disease and of that 90%, fully 50% require immediate attention.

It should come as no surprise that this is the case. After all, dogs and cats have teeth just like we do, and the same conditions that lead to our tooth and gum problems also occur in our pets' mouth.

Perhaps a review of some oral disease terms would help in understanding the problem. Plaque is composed primarily of bacteria (approximately 80%), along with saliva and food debris, and is both quite soft and almost invisible. It is deposited on irregular surfaces of the teeth. Over time and with the addition of minerals, the plaque hardens and forms calculus (tartar). Plaque and calculus formation occurs in all dogs and cats with various rates of deposition.

Inflammation of the gums occurs as the plaque and tartar accumulate on the surface of the tooth. This is called gingivitis. This occurs because the debris in the space between the tooth and gums, known as the gingival sulcus, and causes irritation and infection. If this process goes unchecked, the supporting structures of the tooth degenerate. This process is known as periodontal disease. Once established, this disease is very difficult to cure, and often its relentless progression can only be slowed. Deep pockets filled with pus and debris form, leading to halitosis (bad breath). The gums become separated from the tooth (periodontal pockets) and the supporting alveolar bone recedes. This causes much pain and discomfort and often leads to tooth abscesses and eventual tooth loss.

Dental caries (cavities) are not common in dogs, but diets high in carbohydrates can contribute to their formation. In cats, a special problem occurs where there are painful holes through the enamel into the sensitive dentin and pulp. If left unchecked, they can lead to very painful mouths and tooth loss.

As well as pain and discomfort, periodontal disease puts your pet at risk for other problems such as lung, heart, kidney, and joint infections. This occurs because bacteria get into the bloodstream (a process called bacteremia) and can become widely distributed throughout the body.

Tooth Eruption

Just like humans, dogs and cats will have two sets of teeth during their lives. A puppy or kitten's first set of temporary or deciduous teeth is replaced by the permanent teeth beginning at about 3 months of age and continuing until about 6 months of age. The puppy normally has 26 deciduous and 42 adult teeth. The cat has 26 deciduous teeth and 30 adult teeth. The permanent teeth should remove the deciduous teeth. At no point should there be two teeth in one spot. If you notice this occurring, you should consult your veterinarian and have the deciduous tooth extracted immediately. If left in this condition, malpositioning of the adult tooth can occur, and plaque and tartar can accumulate more rapidly. This is quite often a problem in the small breeds and in the short-nosed breeds (e.g. Pug, Boxer).