General Session: Take a Bite out of the Competition by Getting to the Root of Pet Dental Health Presented on: September 14, 2016 Presenter: Image Placeholder Pet Dental Health 1. Anatomy/Terms 2. Signs of Dental Disease 3. Dental Diseases 4. Prevention 5. Treatment Brought to you by Dr. Doug Knueven Beaver Animal Clinic Design Pet Sitters International Content Copyright Presenter Do Not Distribute Tooth/Mouth Anatomy The Tooth Crown - the visible part of a tooth Root - the anchor of a tooth that extends into the jawbone. Enamel - the tough, shiny, white outer surface of the tooth. Dentin - the hard but porous tissue located under both the enamel and cementum of the tooth. Dentin is harder than bone. The Tooth cont d The Tooth cont d Pulp - the soft center of the tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves; it nourishes the dentin. Nerves - nerves transmit signals (conveying messages like hot, cold, or pain) to and from the brain. Gums - the soft tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth. Cementum - a layer of tough, yellowish, bone-like tissue that covers the root of a tooth. It helps hold the tooth in the socket. The cementum contains the periodontal membrane. Periodontal membrane/ligament - the fleshy tissue between tooth and the tooth socket; it holds the tooth in place. The fibers of the periodontal membrane are embedded within the cementum. 1
Dental Charts Incisors 6 Upper/6 Lower Cutting Canines 2 Upper/2 Lower Tearing Dental Charts Premolars Crushing, chopping Dog 8 Upper/8 Lower Cat 6 Upper/4 Lower Molars Crushing Dog 4 Upper/6 Lower Cat 2 Upper/2 Lower Dental Formulas Dogs have 28 deciduous teeth and 42 permanent teeth Cats have 26 deciduous teeth and 30 permanent teeth Canine I 3/3, C 1/1, P 4/4, M 2/3 Feline I 3/3, C 1/1, P 3/2, M 1/1 Dog Teeth Cat Teeth 2
Tooth Roots In the dog 14 permanent teeth have 2 roots 6 permanent teeth have 3 roots In the cat 10 permanent teeth have 2 roots 2 permanent teeth have 3 roots Dental Growth Patterns 2-4 weeks, no noticeable growth 5-6 weeks, deciduous incisors and canines erupt 8 weeks, all deciduous teeth in 4 months, incisors erupt 5 months, canines erupt 7 months, all permanent teeth in Signs of Dental Disease Halitosis Discolored teeth Gingivitis Loss of appetite Drainage 3
Prevalence Far Reaching Effects Oral disease is the #1 health problem diagnosed in dogs & cats 85% of all adult dogs & cats have some degree of periodontal disease Only 25% of dogs and cats get treatment All pets are at risk for developing dental problems Bacteria from plaque and tartar can enter the blood stream and go to the Heart Liver Kidneys Flip-A-Lip Dental Diseases (General) Plaque/Tartar The Root of the Problem Plaque Soft, sticky material that accumulates on teeth from food debris and bacteria - brush Tartar (Calculus) Calcified plaque Plaque Tartar Gingivitis Binds to calcium in saliva Reversible! Periodontitis Irreversible! 4
Gingivitis Periodontitis Inflamed/infected gums 75% of cats show signs of gum disease by the age of 3 Gingivitis can interfere with diabetes treatment Inflammation of the tissues that surround and support the teeth leading to loss of alveolar bone. Periodontitis Tooth Root Infections Bacterial infection deep, under the root Broken/Worn Teeth Dental Disease (Canine) Carnassial abscess 5
Gingival Hyperplasia Overgrowth of gum tissue Non-painful swellings Boxer, Great Dane, Collie, Doberman Pinscher, Dalmation Dental Disease (Feline) Resorptive lesions - the most common dental disease of domestic cats, and the most common cause of tooth loss. The lesions often begin below the gumline, so they may develop undetected. 60% of cats over 6 have at least one Cause unknown Stomatitis Inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissue Very painful Cause unknown Autoimmune? Hypersensitivity to plaque? Conventional Treatment full mouth extractions! Holistic Treatment laser, EFA supplement, homeopathy Stomatitis Squamous Cell Carcinoma 6
Steps to Prevention 1. Annual Veterinary Dental Checkups Dental scaling and polishing under anesthesia to effectively remove plaque and tartar, yearly for most pets 2. Home Care Most critical element in maintaining oral health Goal = consistent control of plaque / prevention of tartar buildup Ideal: Professional dental cleaning, and Daily brushing Dental Disease Prevention How t/d Works Tooth paste / brush Mouth rinses / jells Water additives Supplements Chew sticks Works like a toothbrush to clean teeth and freshen breath as pets chew Patented fiber alignment helps kibble stay in contact with tooth surface clear to gum line Gently scrubs away plaque and tartar to clean teeth and promote healthy gums DRY PET FOOD DOES NOT CLEAN TEETH Dental Disease Treatment Professional teeth cleaning/extractions By veterinary professional Requires full anesthesia 7
The Root of the Problem Poor oral hygiene can lead to: Halitosis Periodontal disease Tooth loss Systemic health problems Contributing Factors Breed Cats - certain breeds Dogs: smaller breeds > larger breeds Age Older pets > younger pets Questions? 8