The Importance of Pet Dental Health: From Puppy to Senior Years

in Malaga, Mijas Costa

Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats

Many pet owners are unaware that dental issues can affect dogs and cats throughout their entire lives, from their earliest years to their golden age. Our furry companions often endure oral discomfort silently, making it challenging for us to recognise their pain. 

While some pets may show signs such as:
  • Slower eating habits
  • Reluctance to chew on food or toys
  • Pawing at the face or mouth
  • Excessive drooling or licking
  • Reduced grooming
  • Loss of appetite

 

It’s important to note that many pets DO NOT exhibit obvious symptoms or DO NOT SHOWING PAIN until their condition has significantly progressed.

Startling Statistics and Common Issues

The prevalence of dental problems in pets is surprisingly high:
  • 85% of dogs over three years old need professional dental care.
  • 50% of cats over three years old require dental attention.

Services what we provide

Commonly known as gum diseases, are serious infections that affect the tissues and bones surrounding your teeth. If left untreated, they can lead to severe complications, including tooth loss and other health issues

  • Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It's caused by plaque buildup on teeth.
  • Periodontitis: If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. This can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.
  • Professional Dental Cleaning (Periodontal Treatment): Thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar.
  • Surgical Extractions: Removal of severely damaged or infected teeth.
  • Periodontal Flaps: Surgical procedure to expose the roots of teeth for cleaning and repair.
  • Gingivectomy/Gingivoplasty: Surgical removal and reshaping of diseased gum tissue.
  • Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR): Procedure to encourage the growth of new bone and gum tissue in areas affected by periodontal disease.

Oral neoplasias, or tumors, are relatively common in both dogs and cats, though they are more frequently seen in dogs. These tumors can range from benign to malignant and can significantly impact an animal’s health and quality of life.

The primary treatment for oral neoplasias is surgical removal of the tumor. In some cases, radiation therapy or electrochemotherapy   may be used as an adjunct treatment, especially for malignant tumors. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and reducing the risk of metastasis.

Veterinary prosthodontics and restoration are specialized fields within veterinary dentistry that focus on repairing and replacing damaged or missing teeth in animals. These procedures aim to restore oral function, comfort, and appearance for pets.

Key Aspects of Veterinary Prosthodontics
Common Procedures
  • Dental Crowns: Metal crowns are often used to protect teeth after root canal therapy or in cases of severe wear.
  • Restorative Treatments: Techniques such as dental bonding can rebuild damaged enamel and restore tooth function.
  • Root Canal Therapy: Often performed before prosthodontic treatments to save damaged teeth.

Endodontic procedures, such as pulpectomy (removal of the pulp tissue), surgical root canal treatment, or vital pulp therapy, can be performed to preserve teeth that are critical to the patient’s overall oral health.

Call us today at +34 662 11 08 08 to schedule an appointment or use our online form!