Could your pet's bad breath mean more serious problems? It could be a symptom of serious periodontal disease... just think if you didn't brush your teeth for a couple of years! August 2006 marked the 9th year of the National Pet Dental Health Month and the Pets Need Dental Care, Too ™ campaign, a nationwide effort to educate consumers on the importance of good dental care for pets. At the Mittagong Veterinary Hospital we take dental health very seriously and so Dental health Month is really an all year concern to us.

There are three easy steps to prevent oral disease: First, your pet should get a dental exam by your veterinarian and, if needed, a dental cleaning under anesthesia by your veterinarian. Then, begin a home dental care routine including appropriate nutrition and regular brushing, followed by regular veterinary checkups.

“It's amazing how much better a pet feels after a dental cleaning and polishing,” said Dr. Tony Caiafa , currently a committee member of the Australian Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), and a veterinarian from Melbourne “Pets can't talk or express their pain the way humans can, and dental disease often goes undetected for months, or even years – making preventive care, dental cleanings and annual check-ups all the more necessary.””

Here are some quick facts about periodontal disease in pets:

    * Periodontal disease is currently the most common infection in dogs and cats over the age of three.
    * In fact, 85 percent of dogs and cats over one-year of age have some degree of periodontal disease, according to recent research by the American Animal Hospital Association.
    * Problems begin when food particles and bacteria build up in the mouth, forming plaque and mineralizing into tartar, which can lead to gingivitis and irreversible periodontal disease.
    * Periodontal disease can result in other problems including tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums and even tooth loss.
    * Bacteria that cause periodontal disease can even enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, liver, kidney and lungs.

Severe Calculus

Australian Veterinary Dental Society 

Dental Health