'Periodontal' comes from two Greek words that mean 'around the tooth.' Periodontal disease is associated with the inflammation and loss of the deep supporting structures of teeth. A number of criteria are used to assess the oral health of a dog and assign a grade. These include the amount and distribution of plaque and calculus, health of the gingiva (gums), radiologic appearance, and the depth of pockets.

Many pets seen in every day veterinary practice have dental disease requiring treatment. Most owners are unaware that their pet has a problem, so often dental problems go undiagnosed. The role of the veterinary nurse is vital in educating clients to recognize disease but also help institute and maintain oral hygiene programs. Early intervention is the key to a pain free and infection free mouth. The owner must understand that homecare is the most essential component on both preventing and treating periodontal disease. It also gives the owner an opportunity to check their pets’ teeth daily to ensure that pathology such as fractured teeth do not go un-noticed. The responsibility of maintaining oral hygiene i.e. keeping plaque accumulation to a level compatible with periodontal health rests with the owner of the pet. Home care compliance is often lost through poor follow up by the veterinary practice. This is where the veterinary nurse can play an important role by encouraging recheck visits, ongoing support and encourage, and guidance on how and what to do. All nurse clinics give you the opportunity to examine the mouth and check the teeth, but it is also important to set up structured dental nurse clinics.

Do you have trouble taking good diagnostic dental X-ray images? A good understanding of dental radiology is an essential skill for veterinary nurses and technicians today.