Dental Disease and Its Relation to Systemic Disease in Pets

By Catherine Barnette, DVM

What is dental disease?

Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition in which the tissues supporting the teeth become inflamed. In its most mild form, periodontal disease is associated with gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. In more severe cases, periodontal disease may manifest as tooth root abscesses, bone infection of the jaw, or as a pathologic (disease-induced) fracture of the jaw.

Signs Your Dog May Need Dental Care

Dogs rarely show obvious pain from their mouth, so dental problems are often missed at home. Book a visit for dog teeth cleaning in Simi Valley if you notice any of the following:

  • Persistent bad breath
  • Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth, especially near the gumline
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Drooling more than usual or dropping food while eating
  • Chewing on one side of the mouth or avoiding hard food and toys
  • Loose, broken, or missing teeth
  • Pawing at the face or pulling away when the mouth is touched

Catching these signs early usually makes dog dental care in Simi Valley, CA simpler and less invasive, and it helps protect your dog from the spread of oral bacteria described below.

Can dental disease cause systemic disease?

When a pet develops dental disease, significant quantities of bacteria reside within the mouth and the oral tissues. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to other areas within the body, causing distant or systemic effects. There are three organs that are especially susceptible to the spread of oral bacteria: the heart, the liver, and the kidneys.

“There are three organs that are especially susceptible to the spread of oral bacteria: the heart, the liver, and the kidneys.”

The bacteria that are found within the mouth of pets with dental disease are the same bacteria that are often implicated in heart disease. These bacteria are associated with both endocarditis (inflammation/infection of the interior of the heart) and valvular disease in dogs and cats. Additionally, the presence of periodontal disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease in dogs.

The liver and kidneys are especially susceptible to the effects of dental disease. Both organs function primarily to filter the blood, which allows bacteria from the oral cavity to easily spread to each of these organs. Infection and inflammation within the liver and kidneys can cause signs of systemic infection (such as fever, weight loss, and decreased appetite), while also interfering with the function of these organs.

How are pets screened for systemic disease?

Your veterinarian uses a number of tools to screen for dental disease.

The first of these tools is the physical examination. In many cases, systemic disease has effects on the body that can be detected on a physical examination. A pet with heart disease may have a detectable murmur that can be auscultated (heard) with a stethoscope. A pet with liver or kidney disease may have visible weight loss or pain on palpation of the abdomen.

Next, your veterinarian will likely perform screening blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemistry. These tests assess a number of different liver and kidney function markers; elevations in these values may suggest the presence of liver or kidney disease.

If the results of the physical examination and blood tests suggest the presence of underlying disease, your veterinarian may recommend additional diagnostic tests. If your pet has signs of heart disease, for example, your veterinarian may perform chest X-rays to look for heart enlargement and signs of heart failure. If your pet has signs of liver or kidney disease, your veterinarian may recommend additional blood or urine testing.

Can the systemic effects of dental disease be minimized?

The best way to minimize the systemic damage associated with dental disease is to proactively prevent and treat dental disease. Dental conditions should be addressed as early as possible, to minimize the risk of worsening and spread. There are two components to dental care: home care and veterinary dental care.

Home care consists of brushing your pet’s teeth daily, if possible. If you are unable to perform daily brushing, your veterinarian can provide alternatives such as an oral rinse or medicated dental chews.

Veterinary dental care, also referred to as a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment, is performed under general anesthesia, and at our clinic this includes dog teeth cleaning in Simi Valley, CA. Your pet will be anesthetized, using a combination of injectable and inhalant anesthetics. First, the tartar will be scaled off your pet’s teeth. Dental radiography (X-rays) may also be performed to evaluate the tooth roots and other tissues below the gumline. Once your pet’s teeth are clean and visible, your veterinarian will perform a thorough oral exam. Finally, your veterinarian will devise a treatment plan for any dental issues that have been discovered. These treatments may include extractions (including dog tooth extraction in Simi Valley, CA) or more advanced dental procedures, such as a root canal.

“If your pet is experiencing systemic signs associated with dental disease, antibiotics may also be recommended.”

If your pet is experiencing systemic signs associated with dental disease, antibiotics may also be recommended. These antibiotics will minimize the quantity of bacteria in your pet’s mouth and bloodstream. In many cases, antibiotics are started prior to a dental procedure. It is important to note however, that antibiotics alone are not sufficient to treat dental disease or its systemic effects. Antibiotics are intended only as an adjunct to more definitive treatment.

Does systemic disease make anesthesia risky for my pet?

Although attempts to address dental disease are made as early as possible situations sometimes arise in which a pet’s systemic disease increases the risk associated with anesthesia. After performing a thorough physical exam and pre-anesthetic bloodwork, your veterinarian may determine that your pet has a heightened anesthetic risk and needs additional diagnostics prior to anesthesia.

In some cases, your veterinarian may refer your pet to a specialist, such as a cardiologist or internal medicine specialist. The specialist can perform additional diagnostic tests to assess organ function and aid your veterinarian in creating an appropriate anesthetic plan for your pet. If your pet is especially high-risk, your veterinarian may even recommend having your pet’s dental procedure performed at a specialty hospital. This ensures that board-certified specialists will be available during your pet’s anesthesia and recovery, in order to ensure that your pet receives the best care possible.

Rarely, you and your veterinarian may determine that the benefits associated with a dental procedure do not outweigh the anesthetic risks. In this case, your veterinarian will work with you to create a palliative care plan that minimizes the pain and infection associated with dental disease, while maintaining your pet’s quality of life for as long as possible. This approach is reserved only for pets with severe systemic disease, because it means that the dental disease will not be corrected and will continue to cause issues for the remainder of the pet’s life. It is always best to definitively treat dental disease when possible.”

Dog Dental Cleaning in Simi Valley, CA: What to Expect

A professional dog dental cleaning starts with a physical exam and, when needed, pre-anesthetic bloodwork to make sure your dog is a safe candidate for anesthesia. Under general anesthesia, our team scales tartar from the teeth, takes digital dental X-rays to check the roots and the bone below the gumline, and completes a full oral exam. Cleaning only what is visible above the gumline is not enough, because the most serious disease often hides beneath it.

Once your dog’s teeth are clean and visible, your veterinarian will go over any problems and recommend a treatment plan, which may include extractions or other procedures. Because the full extent of dental disease is not always clear until the teeth are cleaned and X-rayed, your veterinarian will discuss any additional treatment with you.

Dog Dental Cleaning Cost in Simi Valley, CA

The cost of a dog dental cleaning in Simi Valley depends on your dog’s size and age, the amount of tartar and gum disease present, whether dental X-rays are needed, and whether any teeth need to be extracted. Because every mouth is different, the most accurate estimate comes after an exam. To help keep affordable dog dental cleaning in Simi Valley, CA within reach, we accept payment options through CareCredit and Scratchpay, which can help you spread the cost of your dog’s dental care over time.

If you are comparing affordable dog teeth cleaning in Simi Valley, keep in mind that a complete cleaning involves anesthesia, X-rays, and pain management, not just scaling. Call (844) 469-7299 or text (805) 424-8376 to ask about an estimate for your dog.

Dog Tooth Extraction in Simi Valley, CA

Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved. Severely infected, loose, or fractured teeth, and teeth with damaged roots, are painful and can spread infection, so extraction is often the kindest option. Our team performs dog tooth extraction in Simi Valley, CA using digital dental X-rays to plan the procedure, nerve blocks and pain management to keep your dog comfortable, and general anesthesia throughout. Many dogs eat better and feel better once a painful tooth is gone.

Dog Dental Care at Home

Professional cleanings work best alongside daily care at home. Brush your dog’s teeth with a pet-safe toothpaste, never human toothpaste, which is not meant to be swallowed and can upset a dog’s stomach. If daily brushing is not possible, ask us about an oral rinse or medicated dental chews. Consistent dog dental care in Simi Valley, CA, at home and at our clinic, helps keep tartar from coming back.

Choosing a Dog Dentist in Simi Valley, CA

Every pet owner wants the best dog dentist for their family, and the right choice comes down to a few questions. Does the clinic take digital dental X-rays, so nothing is missed below the gumline? Will your dog’s pain be managed with nerve blocks and pain medication? Are extractions and other treatments available if your dog needs them? At Pet PAWZitive, we offer digital dental X-rays, nerve blocks, extractions, and pain management, and we would be glad to meet your dog.

LIST OF SERVICES

  • Anesthesia
  • Digital Dental x-rays
  • Dental cleaning
  • Extractions
  • Dental treatments
  • Nerve Blocks
  • Root Planing
  • Periodontal care
  • Pain management

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