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Dental plaque is a sticky substance that covers the teeth. It
consists of bacteria, saliva, food particles and epithelial cells. Plaque builds
up on the tooth surface and gum line every day. Left undisturbed the plaque can
mineralize, or harden, in less than 2 days, forming calculus or tartar.
Dental
tartar is a film that covers teeth consisting of calcium phosphate and
carbonate, food particles and other organic matter. The tartar will stick to the
tooth surface forming a scaffold for more plaque accumulation. The continued
build-up of tartar both above and below the gum line can eventually produce an
environment that is a haven for certain types of bacteria that may be more
destructive to the periodontal tissues and also produce a more noticeable odour.
This can lead to periodontal disease.
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums most commonly caused
by the accumulation of food particles in the crevices between the gums and
teeth. The main symptom is bleeding, although you may also notice redness, pain
and difficulty in chewing. If gingivitis is not treated, it may lead to
periodontitis.
Periodontal disease is a very common infectious disease caused
by bacteria that make up plaque. This results in inflammation of the structures
that support teeth, the gum tissue, periodontal ligament, alveolus (small
cavity) and cementum (bonelike connective tissue covering the root of a tooth
and assisting in tooth support). Symptoms of periodontal disease include bad
breath and red or inflamed gums.
By the time we see some of our patients their teeth are in a
very bad way - this elderly dog has already lost most of her teeth and the
remaining ones are covered in plaque and tartar. Under general anaesthetic
we were able to examine the damage to the teeth and unfortunately they were so
rotten they had to be removed.
 
The spaniel below has good teeth but there was a build up of
plaque. Once the tartar has been removed from the teeth using an ultrasonic
scaler, a probe was used to check for any damage to the enamel. Finally,
the teeth are polished to smooth the surface of the teeth.
 
This ferret's owner became aware of a problem once the tooth
abscess burst on the side of his cheek. Under anaesthetic we were able to drain
the abscess, clean all the teeth and after a course of antibiotics, the ferret
was back to good health.
Deciduous Teeth
The puppy below still has her deciduous/baby canine teeth in both
the upper and lower jaw. If they are still present
at 8 - 9 months old, they may have to be removed. If they
are causing the adult teeth to be displaced, they may have to be
removed earlier than this..
The upper deciduous tooth is more obvious as it is lying behind
the adult canine.
 The lower one is actually lying on the outside of the adult
canine
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