WELCOME to Bright Cross Animal Clinic Online Your Community Care Veterinary Center Any sign of oral disease? Compare your pet’s teeth to these photos. If you see any sign of oral disease, it is time to have the teeth cleaned. Prevention is always better when the cure when dealing with periodontal disease. Early Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a common gum disease that develops when bacteria grows between your teeth and gums and if left untreated, it can lead to serious problems, including tooth loss. Treatment can reverse condition. Early Periodontitis. Periodontitis is the inflammation of the structures that support teeth. Entire attached gum is inflamed and swollen. Mouth is painful and odor begins to be noticeable. Professional treatment and home dental care can prevent this from becoming irreversible. Moderate Periodontitis. Gums are cherry red and bleeding attached gum is being destroyed by infection and calculus (tartar). Sore mouth affects eating and behavior. Bad breath is present. Beginning of advanced periodontal disease. May become irreversible at this stage. Advanced Periodontitis. Chronic bacterial infection is destroying the gum, tooth and bone. Bacteria may be spreading throughout the entire body via the bloodstream and may damage the kidneys, liver and heart. Professional care and treatment is needed immediately. The Benefits of Dental X-rays. Dental radiographs — Radiographs (x-rays) of the teeth are needed periodically in order to completely evaluate your pet’s oral health. X-rays aid the veterinarian greatly in detecting abnormalities that cannot be detected under examination alone. In some cases, x-rays can confirm the need for extraction of teeth that are loose or badly infected. Below our in-house case studies showing the importance of dental x-rays. The extent of the periodontal disease was not visible upon visual inspection, but was revealed with digital radiographs Pettie The right photo shows a fractured maxillary incisor only. Upon further investigation and performing the digital radiograph x-ray (far-right), reveals an abscess at the base of the root and the need to extract the tooth. Sampson The physical examination showed minimal inflammation surrounding the premolar. Digital radiographs revealed osteoclastic root resorption. Rover Rover’s physical exam revealed slight inflammation and swelling around the molar (right photo.) The digital radiograph (far-right photo) confirms the bone loss around the root and the necessity to extract the tooth. The x-ray (bottom photo) reveals a deep pocket under the carnassial tooth that is many times not seen during an oral exam, but evident after probing and confirmed with digital x-rays. Detal Care Cost Estimator Click on the Dental Care Plan below for a full cost estimate of the dental care procedures for your pet. Only your vet can give you the actual cost after a full examination. Dental Care Plan for Canine Dental Prophy Dental Care Plan for Feline Dental Prophy Home Dental Care Your pet’s dental care doesn’t rest with your veterinarian alone. As a pet owner, you play a pivotal role in helping ensure your pet’s dental health through regular teeth brushing. For more information on getting started, read our teeth brushing article. Remember... pets can live longer, healthier lives if oral health care is managed and maintained throughout their lives. In fact, proper dental care may add as much as five years to your pet's life! Instructional Videos Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth Step-by-step Instructions Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth Instructional Video Dental & Oral Care Dental and Oral Care for your dog and cat Periodontal disease is the most common disease among dogs affecting more than 80% of dogs over the age of three. This is why at Bright Cross Animal Clinic we strive to offer the most advanced dental prophy care. Last year we acquired the IM3 ultrasonic scaling and polishing unit. This is the only true ultrasonic unit on the market and is equipped with high speed dental burrs and cutting tools to aid in the least traumatic means of tooth extraction. We also have digital dental x-rays to be as thorough as possible. Just like you, there is nothing better then the feeling of clean teeth after you get your teeth cleaned. And, just like you, your best friend needs the same dental care and cleaning. After your pet’s dental procedure, keep that smile happy and healthy with an at home maintenance program. Here are a few products that we highly recommend and have available in our clinic. Any sign of oral disease? “Dog breath” is more than just a nuisance to you, it’s an indication that your dog’s teeth need attention. As tartar builds, it irritates the gums and leads to bad breath. It could also be a sign of periodontal disease; a condition that has been linked to heart, kidney and liver problems. 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental issues and tends to get more serious as the pets advance in age. It is marked by an inflammation of the gums brought on by poor oral hygiene. Care for your pet's oral hygiene should start early if you want to prevent gingivitis. Start when they are puppies and kittens and maintain good care. Get your pet used to opening their mouth and rub their gums and teeth. Then, get a small toothbrush and start a regular brushing program, ideally every day. As they get older, a larger brush and flavored toothpaste that is designed specifically for pets, should be part of their routine. Important terms to know: Periodontium - The structures that support the tooth. Gingiva (gums) - Soft tissues that cover the bones surrounding the teeth. Cementum - Tissue that attaches the tooth root to the periodontal ligament. Plaque - A film of bacteria that forms on teeth daily, leading to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Calculus (tartar) - Mineralized, crusty deposits that irritate the gums when plaque is not removed. Periodontal Disease - Painful oral disease that can lead to tooth loss and organ disease. Gingivitis - Inflammation of the gingiva. Leads to periodontitis. Periodontitis - Inflammation and disease of the tooth support tissues. KEEP YOUR PET SMILING HAPPY AND HEALTHY Just like you, there is nothing better then the feeling of clean teeth after you get your teeth cleaned. And, just like you, your best friend needs the same dental care and cleaning. After your pet’s dental procedure, keep that smile happy and healthy with an at home maintenance program. Here are a few products that we highly recommend and have available in our clinic. Oravet Plaque Prevention System Enzadent Oral Care Brush  & Toothpaste Kit CET Aquadent Dental Water Additive Enzadent Triple Enzaymatic Oral Care Chews