Dental Disease |
| Q: Our older Golden Retriever has horrible breath. Her teeth seem brown in color. Can a dog's teeth be brushed or cleaned? A: Dental disease is a very serious concern in pets and yes the problem can be remedied. The brown or tan discoloration on the teeth is likely tartar development. Tartar is a very hard form of plaque containing bacteria, which can affect the tooth and gum. As the disease progresses, your pet's breath will worsen, the gum line will recede and tooth loss can occur. Furthermore, bacteria from the infected mouth can shower the body via the blood stream causing life threatening heart, liver, and kidney infections. Home care such as biweekly brushing, dental chews, and washes can help retard the development of tartar. When a pet reaches three to five years old they will probably need their first professional teeth cleaning. Animals must be put under anesthesia to clean and polish their teeth so they will typically need to stay with your veterinarian for the day. Antibiotics are routinely sent home because the act of cleaning the teeth can send bacteria into the bloodstream. As with any anesthetic procedure, preanesthetic blood work is recommended to screen for predisposing problems before sedation. If your pet's breath is discouraging kisses, just remember that regular home dental care and yearly dental cleanings can not only give them better breath, but also add years to their lives. |
