When Vincent had trouble chewing, Robert Wiggs, DVM, a Dallas veterinarian specializing in dentistry, examined his teeth. Vincent is an African lion at the Dallas Zoo. But Dr. Wiggs says dental problems are even more common in our domesticated cats and dogs. Periodontal disease progresses slowly, and becomes worse each year, so older pets have the greatest chance of suffering the disease. Bacterium grows in food stuck to the pet s teeth, becomes mineralized, and forms plaque.
Bad breath signals an increased bacterial activity in the mouth, and warns of dental disease.
Neck lesion cavities are extremely painful, and Kitty may be reluctant to eat, or tend to drool. X-rays are necessary to evaluate the extent of the problem because the entry hole may be tiny, while the cavity has eaten away nearly all the inside of the tooth. Pet dentistry is very similar to human dental treatments. Pets won t open wide, though, and must be anesthetized for even routine cleaning, which involves ultrasonic scaler, polishing, sometimes fluoride treatment or antibiotics. Veterinary dentist can provide fillings, crowns, root canals, and even orthodontia work.