Is it more than stinky dog breath?

​What does the vet see when looking in your pet's mouth?

Oral exams are an important part of evaluating your dog or cat's health, because disease in the mouth can have far-reaching impact on other parts of the body.

The vet is looking at more than teeth when lifting those lips!

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​What is the veterinarian looking for during an oral exam?

• Is there an odor?

​Halitosis, or "bad breath" can be an indication of disease or infection. Many owners are aware of the bad odor coming from their pets' mouths, but don't realize that in most cases, we can treat the underlying cause.

Halitosis is most often caused by periodontal disease, but can also be a sign of a bigger problem, such as kidney disease or diabetes.

Gingival Hyperplasia

• Are there masses or abnormal growths in the mouth?

​A mass in the mouth (such as on the gums or under the tongue) can be benign or malignant, and may cause excessive drooling or difficulty eating. Some cancerous growths show more obvious signs than others, but only removal and biopsy can accurately determine a growth's composition.

Gingival hyperplasia (pictured right) is a condition in which the gum tissue grows excessively, often causing it to overlap the dog's teeth.. This disease can affect any breed, but we see it often in Boxers, Bulldogs, and Great Danes.

Gingival hyperplasia is not usually a problem in itself, but it can cause periodontal disease to advance by trapping debris and bacteria between the gums and teeth.

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Feline Stomatitis (Source: MSPCA)

• Are there ulcers on the gums, cheeks, tongue or hard palate?​

Ulcers are particularly concerning, as not only are they painful - they can be related to more serious underlying diseases, such as auto-immune disorders and infectious viruses.

Some cats develop Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORLs) or "neck lesions." FORLs cause the cat's tooth to resorb into the body, exposing the sensitive nerve within. Experts are still seeking the source of this painful condition, but extraction of affected teeth is typically recommended to alleviate discomfort and further progression.

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Malocclusion (Source: Brett Beckman)

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• Are the teeth and jaws properly aligned?

Malocclusion (misaligned teeth) is common in brachycephalic breeds ("short-nosed" dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs). While not always problematic, crowding or misalignment can cause excessive wear on affected teeth, discomfort, or difficulty chewing food.

Pictured right is a dog whose lower left canine tooth makes contact with an upper incisor.

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Retained Deciduous Tooth (Source: Animal911)

• Are there any retained deciduous (baby) teeth?

​​​There are 28 of those razor-sharp puppy teeth. Normally, these fall out by 6-7 months of age, when the 42 permanent adult teeth have all erupted in your dog's mouth.

Sometimes the root of the deciduous tooth does not resorb properly, leaving it in the way of the permanent tooth as it erupts. We call these retained deciduous teeth.
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If not extracted, a retained baby tooth can cause the adult tooth to erupt abnormally. It can also cause chronic problems with dental disease as debris and bacteria become lodged between the deciduous and permanent teeth.

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Severe Tartar (Calculus) in a Dog

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• Is there plaque or tartar buildup?

​Plaque is a soft, bacterial-based film that coats the teeth. It can be easily removed with daily oral maintenance, like toothbrushing.

When plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar. This mineralization (also called calculus) process forms a cement-like buildup on the teeth and below the gumline. Unlike plaque, tartar can only be removed by professional dental cleaning.

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What can you do to improve your pet's oral health?

• Create a daily oral maintenance routine.

​Brush your pet's teeth every day - at minimum, two or three times a week - to remove plaque and prevent it from turning into tartar. Be sure to use a pet-specific product (we carry C.E.T. toothpaste that is safe for both dogs and cats), because many products made for people contain ingredients that can be poisonous to your pet.

We understand that some pets may not tolerate toothbrushing. Not to worry! There are other options, like OraVet Chews, Oratene Maintenance Gel, and Hill's Prescription Diet t/d. Not sure what's best? Ask us - we're always happy to help!

• Keep up with annual exams - even if vaccines aren't due.

We want to work with you as a team to keep your pet healthy! Cats and dogs age much faster than humans, so your pet missing one check-up is like you not visiting the doctor for several years. 

• Schedule dental cleanings before periodontal disease progresses.

​Early treatment not only prevents further disease, but it costs less to perform a routine, straightforward dental cleaning than it does to treat a severely infected mouth. The likelihood of extractions and lengthy anesthesia time increases as dental disease worsens, increasing the overall cost of treatment.

Think your dog or cat needs a dental cleaning?
February is Pet Dental Health Month, and Allegheny North Veterinary Hospital is offering a special discount on dental cleanings through the end of March.

In addition to saving $30, you'll also get free samples of pet dental care products to keep your companion healthy with a sparkling smile! Click here for details about our Dental Health Offer.

Call us at 412-364-5511 to schedule a pre-anesthetic exam, or request an appointment online now.

Thank you for playing an active role in your pet's health!