| Many pet owners do not realize that gum disease does not just cause bad
breath. In fact, for years, veterinarians and physicians have believed that
there was a link between dental problems and other health problems in their
patients. In the human medical field, recent research has confirmed such links
between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes, birth defects and low
birthweight. A new study by Dr. Larry Glickman, a professor at Purdue
University, Indiana, and published in February 2009 in the Journal of the
American Veterinary Medical Association shows a clear statistical link between
gingival or gum disease and cardiac or heart disease in dogs.
In this study, Dr. Glickman and his associates examined records of 59,296
dogs with gum disease and matched them to those of a similar number of dogs
without gum problems. He followed the dogs over time to see which ones developed
heart diseases and the type of heart disease that developed. He then did
statistical tests to see if the incidence of heart disease would increase as the
severity of the gum disease increased.
This is an important piece of research, since it is estimated that
three-quarters of dogs develop gum disease by the time they reach middle age.
The next step will be to try and determine exactly what the relationship is
between gum and heart disease and how gingival disease contributes to heart
problems.
We all recognize the importance of good oral hygiene, including brushing our
teeth at least twice per day to maintain our own dental health. As a pet owner,
you can help prevent gingivitis in your companion by frequently brushing your
pet's teeth and by regular visits to your veterinarian for dental examinations
and professional cleaning. Preventing gingival disease may not only benefit your
pet's teeth, but may also help prevent other health problems from developing. As
your veterinary health care providers, we can provide you with handouts, tools
and training to enable you to customize a dental care regime to meet your pet's
needs and your lifestyle.
Caution: These news items, written by Lifelearn Inc., are
licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying,
printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written
permission of Lifelearn Inc. Please note that the news information presented
here is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation and/or clinical examination
of your pet by our clinic veterinarian.
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