Hello again !
Now I'd like to give you a few tips to determine the condition of your pet's oral health. First of all, taking a look at your pet's teeth should be a cooperative effort! No wrestling matches needed to take a peek! Cats are a bit tougher to examine than dogs -use lots of praise and just don't get bit!! Ok,here we go!
At a nice, calm time, just gently lift your pet's lip to expose the teeth and gums. Look all the way back to the molar area, paying close attention to not only the teeth, but also the color of the gums. A yellowish-brown film or crust on the tooth surface is tartar build-up. Tartar is, basically, a bacteria build-up. Frequently, the tartar is heavier directly at the gum line. This tarter build-up causes gingivitis - the redness and swelling of the gum tissue. The gum is reacting to the bacteria - which is causing the minor infection of the gum. It's common to see a thin red line of gingivitis on the gum line - this indicates a need for a teeth cleaning.
You will also notice a foul mouth odor - this "doggie breath" is due to the bacteria present in the pet's mouth. These oral conditions are reversible. A non-anesthetic dental procedure will clean away the tartar build-up, and the gums will return to a healthy pink color, rather than the irritated red inflamation currently visible.
Look back at the molar area - the tartar build-up often will be worse here. Is one side significantly more inflamed or have heavier tartar? This means, usually, we will find something troubling the pet on that side of the mouth, so chewing is done on the opposite side. We humans do the same thing! Usually, I find a loose or broken tooth, or gingivitis advanced enough to cause pain in chewing and gum recession on that side of the mouth.
Signs to look for that indicate oral problems:
- Pawing at the mouth or even ear area
- Excessive drooling
- Yipping and backing away from the food bowl
- Significant decrease in chewing or playing with toys
- An intensified, suddenly worse odor from the mouth
I'll be happy to give your pet a complimentary oral exam this weekend. If I find a significant problem, I'll give you the details and you can address the problem with your vet. If your pet is a candidate for a non-anesthetic dental procedure, we an get that done over the weekend. (Especially if Delanie (my partner) is happily winning over at the casino...)
Next, I'll describe the non-anesthetic dental procedure, and review follow-up home care to keep your pet's oral health on track!