Dental Health Month, Part Two

I’m back!

How about this snow?! I love it. It is just so pretty, like me. I have the perfect view from my window perch. And, since it has been getting colder, my girlfriends at the office need extra heat (they are Always cold)… so they turn on a small heater that is conveniently under my perch! Talk about complete relaxation. I bet ya’ll are jealous! Just so you know, it has taken all of my will power to get up from my perch to write this blog… so I’m gonna keep it short and sweet! Like I promised last week, this week I will go over what signs your pet may be showing you that hint towards dental issues. Did you know there are also various stages of dental disease? Yeah, I’ll go over that too.

First, what to look for;

• Bad breath. I mean, stinkier than normal, eww
• Yellow or brown teeth. Just gross! I like my pearly whites!
• Red or swollen gums. That just sounds painful doesn’t it?!
• Decreased appetite or pain when chewing. Whelp, we all know I don’t have that problem!
•  Excessive drooling/salivating. Again, just gross.
• Facial swelling.
• Head shyness

Alright, now that you know what to look for, what stage might your pet be in??

There are 4 stages, 4 being the worst!

• Stage 1: You will notice mild redness and inflammation of the gums.
  
• Stage 2: Periodontal pockets start to form between the gums and teeth but, no significant bone loss yet. Key word here guys…YET! (This is where it starts to get ugly)
• Stage 3: Deep periodontal pockets form around the teeth. Now there is substantial bone loss
• Stage 4: Bone loss is now OVER 50%, 50% guys! Complete tooth extraction is the only treatment.

Just talking about these stages makes my teeth hurt, I think I’m going to go bother one of the girls for a Greenie dental treat!

Now, the best way to check the status of your pets’ teeth is to schedule an appointment at SAH. Your pet may be due for a dental cleaning. The veterinarians at SAH will be able to tell you what needs to be done I mean, they are doctors after all!

Back to my nap I go! Until next time!

                      -Murphy Cat