Pet Periodontal Disease
If you pet has bad breath, it shouldn’t be ignored. It could be signs of an oral problem and the sooner you have it treated by your Vet, and learn to care for it yourself, the sooner your pet will be comfortable again.
Periodontal Disease is an infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth that takes hold in progressive stages. It starts out a s bacterial film called plaque. This bacteria attaches itself to the teeth and when it dies it can be calcified by the calcium in your pet’s saliva. This forms a hard, rough substance called tartar or calculus which allow more plaque to build up.
Initially plaque is soft and brushing your pet’s teeth or chewing on hard food can dislodge it. But if is left to spread, plaque can lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, causing them to become red and swollen and they bleed easily. As plague builds up below the gum line, professional cleaning is needed to help manage it. If it continues to build unchecked, it can cause an infection around the root of the tooth. In the final stages of periodontal disease, the tissues around the tooth are destroyed, the bony socket holding the tooth in place erodes, and the tooth becomes loose. This is very painful. All of this can be avoided before it even starts with regular dental check-ups and cleaning. You can also learn how you can give proper pet dental treatment at home. Together you and your Vet can give your pet a reason to smile.
Personalized Pet Memorials are a personal way to say “good-bye” and pay tribute to the life of your best friend.