Signs of periodontal disease:

• Bad breath

• Yellowish-brown tartar on teeth near the gumline

• Red and swollen (painful) gums

• Pain or bleeding when eating

• Decreased appetite or difficulty chewing

• Loose or missing teeth

Things pet owners can do at home to promote oral health in their pets:

• Brushing teeth on a regular basis with a special toothbrush and toothpaste for pets

• Providing appropriate chew toys and feeding hard or coarse-textured food

Very often, periodontal disease needs to be treated with a teeth cleaning and evaluation under anesthesia. Your pet's oral health is evaluated at every examination and this procedure may be recommended by the veterinarian. Kettering Animal Hospital offers dental cleanings five days a week and also offers digital dental X-rays.

Steps in a dental cleaning (AAHA Dental Care Guidelines)

• Oral evaluation while the pet is conscious (awake)

• Dental Xrays

• Ultrasonic scaling of all tooth surfaces and under the gumline

• Polish

• Remove debris and inspect crowns and subgingival areas for pathology

• Evaluate for abnormal periodontal pockets using a periodontal probe

• Administer perioperative antibiotics if indicated

• Perform tooth extraction(s) if necessary

• Biopsy any masses

• Obtain post-operative radiographs if needed