What is dental disease?

Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition in which the tissues supporting the teeth become inflamed. In its mildest form, periodontal disease is associated with gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). In more severe cases, periodontal disease may cause tooth root abscesses, bone infection of the jaw, or a pathologic (disease-induced) fracture of the jaw.

Can dental disease cause systemic disease?

When a pet develops dental disease, increasing numbers of bacteria live within the mouth and the oral tissues. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to other areas within the body, causing distant or systemic effects. These effects may occur due to the actions of the bacteria and from the body’s natural immune response against the bacteria.

How are pets screened for systemic disease?

Your veterinarian uses a number of tools to screen for dental disease. The first of these tools is the physical examination. In many cases, systemic disease has effects on the body that can be detected on a physical examination. For instance, a pet with liver or kidney disease may have visible weight loss or pain when their abdomen is touched (palpated).

Next, your veterinarian will likely perform blood screening tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemistry. These tests assess a number of different liver and kidney function markers; elevations in these values may suggest the presence of liver or kidney disease.

If the results of the physical examination and blood tests suggest underlying disease, your veterinarian may recommend additional diagnostic tests. If your pet has signs of liver or kidney disease, your veterinarian may recommend additional blood or urine testing.

Can the systemic effects of dental disease be minimized?

The best way to minimize the systemic damage associated with dental disease is to proactively prevent and treat dental disease. Dental conditions should be addressed as early as possible, to minimize the risk of worsening and spreading to the rest of the body. There are two components to dental care: home care and veterinary dental care.

Home care consists of brushing your pet’s teeth daily, if possible. If you are unable to brush daily, your veterinarian can provide alternatives such as an oral rinse, medicated dental chews, or a dental diet.

Veterinary dental care, also referred to as a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment, is performed under general anesthesia. Your pet will be anesthetized, using a combination of injectable and inhalant anesthetics. First, the tartar will be scaled off your pet’s teeth. Dental X-rays (radiographs) may also be taken to evaluate the tooth roots and other tissues below the gumline. Once your pet’s teeth are clean and visible, your veterinarian will perform a thorough oral exam. Finally, your veterinarian will devise a treatment plan for any dental issues that have been discovered. These treatments may include extractions or more advanced dental procedures, such as a root canal.

If your pet is experiencing systemic signs associated with dental disease, antibiotics may also be recommended. These antibiotics will minimize the quantity of bacteria in your pet’s mouth and bloodstream. In many cases, antibiotics are started prior to a dental procedure. It is important to note, however, that antibiotics alone are not sufficient to treat dental disease or its systemic effects. Antibiotics are intended only as an adjunct to more definitive treatment.

Does systemic disease make anesthesia risky for my pet?

Situations sometimes arise in which a pet’s systemic disease increases the risk associated with anesthesia. After performing a thorough physical exam and preanesthetic bloodwork, your veterinarian may determine that your pet has a heightened anesthetic risk and needs additional diagnostics prior to anesthesia.

In some cases, your veterinarian may refer your pet to a specialist, such as a cardiologist or internal medicine specialist. The specialist can perform additional diagnostic tests to assess organ function and aid your veterinarian in creating an appropriate anesthetic plan for your pet. If your pet is especially high-risk, your veterinarian may even recommend having your pet’s dental procedure performed at a specialty hospital. This ensures that board-certified specialists will be available during your pet’s anesthesia and recovery, to ensure that your pet receives the best care possible.

In rare situations, you and your veterinarian may determine that the benefits associated with a dental procedure do not outweigh the anesthetic risks. In this case, your veterinarian will work with you to create a palliative care plan that minimizes the pain and infection associated with dental disease, while maintaining your pet’s quality of life for as long as possible. This approach is reserved only for pets with severe systemic disease, because it means that the dental disease will not be corrected and will continue to cause issues for the remainder of the pet’s life. It is always best to definitively treat dental disease when possible.