Dental problems are a common complaint at veterinary clinics. Along with chipped or broken teeth, dogs can also develop painful cavities, periodontal disease, and hard deposits of plaque and tartar on the teeth. These disorders of the mouth not only are started by bacteria, but they usually harbor bacteria as well, giving them ideal environments in which to multiply. The bacteria are then able to spread to other parts of the body as well. Your pet’s dental health should be evaluated by a veterinarian annually.
An overabundance of bacterial growth and accumulation on and around the teeth can cause dental disorders such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and infected abscesses.
Bacteria, Plaque and Tartar Average Cost
From 544 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,000
Average Cost
$850
Tartar buildup and plaque are just the most visually obvious representation of an overabundance of bacteria growing in the mouth. Other symptoms can include:
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Plaque is composed of polysaccharides and glycoproteins colonized by several types of bacteria which are commonly found in the mouth. If not removed from the teeth these deposits harden and form ideal breeding places for more bacteria. As these bacteria invade the gums and teeth of your animal they can cause inflammation and bleeding of the gums, bad breath, weakened tooth and bone structure, and dangerous pockets of infection. Serious cases of dental infection can extend out into other parts of the body, causing infections in vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver.
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When a dog is brought into the clinic with a complaint of malodorous breath or other symptoms indicating oral disease, your veterinarian will examine the canine’s mouth for obvious signs of inflammation, bleeding, or pus. General blood tests such as a (CBC) complete blood count and biochemical profile will also be taken to gauge the patient’s overall health and check for any toxins or imbalances. A more thorough examination of the teeth and gums themselves are usually undertaken after the animal is fully sedated so that the veterinarian can probe the between the teeth and gums to check for infection without causing the dog additional discomfort. Gentle finger pressure is used on each tooth to evaluate if there is any looseness or detachment of the teeth themselves. X-ray imaging may be used to assess the health of the structures below the gumline if there is evidence of underlying tooth or bone damage.
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Moderate to severe dental infections will most likely require that your pet be sedated or placed under general anesthesia. The veterinarian or technician handling your pet’s disorder will start by removing as much of the tartar and plaque buildup as possible. She will scale and clean each of the teeth, both above and below the gum line while assessing the extent of both infection and inflammation. In severe cases, technicians have additional surgical techniques that can assist in the eradication of the infection. In some cases, bone replacement and augmentation can help a dog retain loosened teeth, and the use of the dental flap technique allows for the brief exposure of the root of the tooth and facilitates deep pocket cleaning and difficult tooth extractions. Oral antibiotics are often administered as a matter of course after dental cleanings in canines, to prevent any systemic infections due to the disruption of a vast number of bacteria during the cleaning itself.
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Bacterial buildup in the mouth can be avoided by regular dental health care starting at around six months of age. Regular brushing of your canine’s teeth is advised to prevent tartar from forming, and toys and treats designed to dislodge plaque from your dog’s teeth can be very helpful in between brushings. Most veterinarians advise that you bring your pet in for a full dental cleaning approximately once a year. When your dog returns home from their regular dental cleaning, they may still be somewhat confused and disoriented due to the influence of the anesthesia and a calm, quiet environment will help speed recovery.
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Bacteria, Plaque and Tartar Average Cost
From 544 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,000
Average Cost
$850
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Marbles
Lhasa Apso
12 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
My Lhasa Apso had her teeth cleaned 1 month ago. She is 12 yrs old. This is her second dental in her 12 years. She has all her teeth. One month after this last cleaning I noticed her teeth are full of plaque/tarter!! I am concerned because it has only been 1 month. What would cause this? Why in one month I checked her teeth when she had the last dental and they did clean them, they were plaque/tarter free. Why would this happen? Does this indicate Illness? I had a full blood panel done and everything is good. Obviously she has not had rapid plaque/tarter build up in the past because this is only her second dental. HELP!! Thank you, Stacey Hendrix
July 8, 2018
Marbles' Owner
0 Recommendations
One month is a very short period of time for the plaque to accumulate again as the formation isn’t instant; poor oral hygiene is the general cause but I’m but sure about this sudden accumulation in the period of a month. You should return to the Veterinarian which performed the cleaning and in the meantime try to keep Marbles teeth clean. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 8, 2018
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Lucy
Cattle cross bull terrier
12 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
My dog has SUPER bad breath. I told my vet this about 1 year ago & it's only got worse. She can't be examined easily, as she has to wear a muzzle. She has been diagnosed with IBD via an endoscopy and the specialist said she has tartar & plaque present, which he said is the cause of the bad breath, so a scale & polish will be eventually be needed. She has no other symptoms apart from really bad breath, swallowing & lip smacking a fair bit. She eats with no problems at all. I am wondering if the bacteria produced from this, could have spread to her stomach & be the cause of the IBD, as food allergy doesn't seem to be the cause.
June 20, 2018
Lucy's Owner
0 Recommendations
I don’t think that the two are related, but you should have a dental done soon to improve overall oral health regardless since the longer it goes on the worse it will get. The specific cause of inflammatory bowel disease is unknown, although there are various different causes. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www.msdvetmanual.com/digestive-system/diseases-of-the-stomach-and-intestines-in-small-animals/inflammatory-bowel-disease-in-small-animals
June 20, 2018
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Bacteria, Plaque and Tartar Average Cost
From 544 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,000
Average Cost
$850
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