Signs of Pet Dental Disease

Signs of Dental Disease

Pain

Our pets are very poor at letting us know that they are suffering. They may simply be quieter than normal or more withdrawn. Many of us know the pain associated with mouth ulcers, some will have had the misfortune to have experienced a tooth root abscess. The nerve supply to our pet’s teeth is just as efficient as our own – there is no reason to suppose that they do not feel the same level of pain that we do with dental disease.

Detecting pain in our pets can be very difficult – oral pain can be even harder to diagnose. Often it is only when we see an improvement or change in behaviour after effective dental treatment, that we realise that our pet may have been suffering.

We can infer that our pets are in pain if we note:-

• Reluctance to play
Sometimes pets will gradually lose interest in chewing or playing with toys. However as this is often a gradual change we might think that they have simply lost interest in a particular toy.

• Reluctance to eat
It is only at the far extreme of dental disease that pets will stop eating – although you may notice earlier changes.

• Favouring one side of the mouth

• Dropping food from the mouth when eating

• Appearing to have difficulties in picking up food

• Being reluctant to chew on dry food.

• Pawing at the mouth
Sometimes oral pain can lead to a pet repeatedly scratching at their mouth – sometimes enough to make their face bleed.

• Pain on examination
A reluctance to allow full examination of the mouth may indicate pain. If a swelling on the side of the face appears to be painful when it is touched – it may be associated with an underlying tooth root abscess.
If your pet’s mouth is very painful your vet will need to use a sedative or an anaesthetic to properly assess the situation.

Redness
	Inflammation of the gums leads to an increase in blood supply and an influx of white blood and other cells involved in fighting infection. This produces the red colour of the tissues we associate with gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth).
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
The bacteria associated with dental disease produce Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSCs). These produce the rancid smell that can characterise dental problems. As well as smelling bad VSCs also play a role in the disease itself as they are toxic to tissues.
Bleeding
	As the inflammation progresses the walls of the blood vessels weaken and minimal trauma (even contact with food during a normal meal) can lead to bleeding.
Loose Teeth
	Teeth have a wonderfully strong attachment into the jaw bone. For a tooth to become loose it means that disease and infection has destroyed significant amounts of periodontal ligament and/or bone. As a rough guide if more than 1mm movement can be achieved – then the tooth probably needs extraction.
Broken / Fractured Teeth
	Teeth which are fractured almost inevitably die if the pulp chamber is exposed. Initially there may be some bleeding from the pulp and acute pain. The pulp will then die - grumbling low grade pain will continue. Tooth root abscesses may well then develop leading once more to acute pain. Any fractured tooth is likely to need extraction or endodontic (e.g. root canal) treatment.
Calculus / Tartar Buildup
	Accumulations of lumps of calculus on the teeth do not actually cause disease – but the bacteria that live on the surface of the calculus do. This is why calculus is often associated with gingivitis in the areas close to it.
Pus – purulent discharge
	Close examination of the gum edges – especially alongside areas of calculus, can show a creamy discharge. If it is not immediately visible, then pressing gently on the gum can express the pus from around the edge of the tooth. The pus can also add a brown-yellow colour to saliva. Presence of this pus emphasises the extent of the infection that is associated with dental disease. Often a far greater number of bacteria are present in dental disease than if the pus was collected as an abscess. Whilst an abscess would quickly prompt owners to seek treatment, dental disease often goes un-noticed for years.
Swelling inside the Mouth
	Swellings can occur in the mouth itself. The areas to check are the gums around the edges of the teeth – but also higher up and deep under the lips. It is also important to check the tongue (trying to see the bottom side can be difficult – but can be achieved by pushing up from the outside between the lower jaws).
Swelling on the face
	Swellings linked to dental disease can also occur on the face. Sometimes these can be linked to tooth root abscesses and the infection breaking out through the skin.
Displacement of the Eyes
	One of the most dramatic symptoms is when a root abscess occurs on an upper cheek tooth and the swelling occurs behind the eye. This pushes the eye forward, making it look red and inflamed. Often the angle of the eye is changed as well producing the appearance of a squint. The third eyelid is often raised. This can be mistaken as an eye infection or even glaucoma. Careful oral examination and often radiographs may be needed to identify the diseased tooth.
Salivation
	Drooling saliva can either be as a result of increased production – which can happen when mouth ulcers are present, or as a reluctance to swallow if the mouth is painful. Sometimes the saliva can be more stringy than usual and can be brown or yellow coloured (indicating pus being present) or may be red and blood tinged.
Fur Staining
	The drooling of coloured saliva can result in staining of the fur around the muzzle, or of the front legs.
“Ageing”
	Often dogs & cats can be thought of as “getting older” when in fact the reason why they are more lethargic is down to the effects of dental disease. The phrase “He’s like a puppy or kitten again” is frequently heard from clients returning a week after proper dental treatment has been carried out. This can be the clearest indication of just how much the dental disease has been affecting a pet’s health.