Veterinary technicians play a crucial role in educating pet owners about their pet’s dental health. Many pet owners don’t realize the significant impact oral health has on their pet’s overall well-being. By recognizing and addressing common dental pathologies early, technicians can help improve patient outcomes and build stronger trust with clients. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common dental conditions we see in practice and how technicians can educate pet owners about their importance.
Periodontal Disease: The Silent Enemy
Periodontal disease is one of the most common issues affecting dogs and cats, yet it’s often overlooked until it becomes severe. The key to managing periodontal disease is catching it early because, after stage one, the damage becomes irreversible. At stage one (gingivitis), the inflammation is confined to the gums and can be completely reversed with proper cleaning and care. However, if left untreated, the disease progresses into soft tissue loss, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.
Why Is Periodontal Disease So Dangerous?
As periodontal disease advances, it doesn’t just stop at the mouth. The bacteria responsible for the condition can enter the bloodstream and lead to systemic infections affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. In addition to the pain and difficulty eating, untreated, periodontal disease can dramatically impact a pet’s overall quality of life.
Educating Pet Owners
- Explain that dental cleanings are not just cosmetic; they’re a preventive measure to protect a pet’s long-term health.
- Show examples of bone loss and tooth loss due to periodontal disease, either with radiographs or photos.
- Encourage early intervention and regular cleanings to prevent irreversible damage.
Fractured Teeth: Painful and Serious
Many pet owners are surprised to learn how common tooth fractures are in dogs and cats. Chewing on hard objects like bones, antlers, or even toys can lead to fractured teeth. These fractures often expose the dentin, or worse, the pulp (nerve), leading to significant pain and the risk of infection.
What Pet Owners Need to Know
Any fracture that exposes the dentin is painful and opens the door for bacterial infection. When the fracture extends into the pulp (a complicated crown fracture), the condition becomes even more urgent. There are only three treatment options for a fractured tooth:
- Vital Pulp Therapy: This treatment must be performed immediately (usually within 48 hours of the fracture) to save the tooth while keeping it alive.
- Root Canal Therapy: This is an excellent option to preserve the tooth structure while removing the infected pulp. It’s less invasive than extraction and maintains the tooth’s function.
- Extraction: This is the final option, especially if the fracture has gone untreated for too long or the owner prefers not to pursue advanced care.
How Technicians Can Educate Pet Owners
- Emphasize that fractures are more common than owners think, especially in active dogs or those given hard chew toys.
- Highlight the urgency of treating fractures involving the pulp and the risk of abscesses or chronic pain if left untreated.
- Discuss the pros and cons of each treatment option to help owners make an informed decision.
Oral Masses: Don’t Wait to Biopsy
Oral masses are another common issue that pet owners may dismiss as benign. While some masses are harmless, others can be neoplastic and pose a serious threat. The only way to know for sure is through a biopsy.
Why Early Biopsy Matters
Taking a biopsy early not only helps identify the type of mass but also improves the chances of obtaining full margins if the mass is malignant. This can prevent metastasis and give the pet a better prognosis.
Educating Pet Owners
- Explain that not all masses are cancerous, but any growth in the mouth should be evaluated as soon as possible.
- Use examples to show how early intervention can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
- Reinforce that biopsy is the gold standard for identifying the nature of the mass and planning the next steps.
Persistent Primary Teeth: A Problem for Growing Pets
Persistent primary teeth (aka-retained puppy teeth or retained deciduous teeth) are baby teeth that don’t fall out when they should, leaving two teeth occupying the same space. This can lead to crowding and significantly increase the risk of periodontal disease.
Why Extraction Is Important
In most cases, persistent primary teeth should be removed to prevent long-term dental issues. However, it’s essential to use dental radiographs to determine whether an adult tooth is present. If an adult tooth is missing and the primary tooth is healthy, it can sometimes remain in place. On the other hand, impacted or embedded adult teeth can cause serious complications, like the formation of a dentigerous cyst, which destroys surrounding bone.
Technicians’ Role
- Help pet owners understand why retained teeth are problematic and why radiographs are essential for evaluating the situation.
- Explain the potential consequences of leaving the issue untreated, including infection, pain, and structural damage.
Malocclusions: When Teeth Are Out of Alignment
Malocclusions can range from mild to severe and are categorized into different classes:
- Class 1 Malocclusion: Normal jaw length but one or more teeth are out of alignment (e.g., base narrow lower canines).
- Class 2 Malocclusion: The mandible is shorter than the maxilla (overbite).
- Class 3 Malocclusion: The mandible is longer than the maxilla (underbite), common in brachycephalic breeds.
- Class 4 Malocclusion: One side of the jaw is longer than the other, often due to trauma.
Why Malocclusions Matter
Even a single tooth out of alignment can cause significant problems, including trauma to the opposing teeth or soft tissues. For example, base narrow canines can damage the palate and lead to chronic pain, infection and if left untreated potential oronasal fistulas.
Educating Pet Owners
- Use radiographs or photos to show how malocclusions can impact a pet’s mouth.
- Explain that some malocclusions, like Class 3 in brachycephalic cats and dogs, may not require treatment, but if there is any trauma to the soft tissue of the mouth, severe attrition, or they were not able to chew appropriately, they would need treatment.
- Highlight the importance of early intervention in young pets to prevent more significant issues down the line.
Technicians’ Role in Dental Education
Technicians are often the first point of contact for pet owners when it comes to dental health. By recognizing issues like periodontal disease, fractured teeth, oral masses, retained puppy teeth, and malocclusions, technicians can guide owners toward the appropriate treatments and help improve their pets’ quality of life.
Key Takeaways for Technicians
- Learn to identify common dental pathologies during routine exams.
- Use clear, simple language to explain the significance of these conditions to pet owners.
- Advocate for the use of dental radiographs or CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) as essential diagnostic tools.
- Emphasize the importance of early intervention to prevent more severe complications.
Final Thoughts
Dental health is about more than just keeping a pet’s teeth clean—it’s about preventing pain, infection, and systemic disease. As veterinary technicians, you have the power to make a real difference by educating pet owners about the importance of addressing dental issues early. By explaining conditions like periodontal disease, fractured teeth, oral masses, retained primary teeth, and malocclusions in a way that resonates with clients, you can ensure that pets receive the care they need to live healthier, happier lives.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/27/2024) Image by Zigmars Berzins from Pixabay