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The American College
of
Veterinary Dentists (AVDC)
gives the following information:
Periodontal disease is the most common
clinical condition occurring in adult dogs and cats, and is entirely
preventable. By three years of age, most dogs and cats have some
evidence of periodontal disease. Unfortunately, other than bad breath,
there are few signs of the disease process evident to the owner, and
professional dental cleaning and periodontal therapy often comes too
late to prevent extensive disease or to save teeth. As a result,
periodontal disease is usually under-treated, and may cause multiple
problems in the oral cavity and may be associated with damage to
internal organs in some patients as they age.
Periodontal disease
begins when bacteria in the mouth form a substance called plaque that
sticks to the surface of the teeth. Subsequently, minerals in the
saliva harden the plaque into dental calculus (tartar), which is firmly
attached to the teeth. Tartar above the gum line is obvious to many
owners, but is not of itself the cause of disease. The real problem
develops as plaque and calculus spread under the gum line. Bacteria in
this ‘sub-gingival’ plaque set in motion a cycle of damage to the
supporting tissues around the tooth, eventually leading to loss of the
tooth. Bacteria under the gum line secrete toxins, which contribute to
the tissue damage if untreated. These bacteria also stimulate the
animal’s immune system.
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