Dental And Oral Care Through Ayurveda
Abstract
Ancient medicine is the ancient medical system of India that is still used nowadays. Ayurveda also include some of the first written documents on veterinary medicines and treatments. Ayurvedic doctors also founded the first Veterinarian hospital in 1463 BCE. Given the millennia of research and refinement that ayurvedic gave to the practice of veterinary medicine. Imagine how your teeth would look and feel if you didn’t brush them for years or couples of days or months. Your furry companion’s teeth are no different .Just like humans, pets can suffer from dental issues, if left unattended can further lead to serious health problems. While regular exercise, proper nutrition are important veterinary Dental check-ups are also crucial for pets.
INTRODUCTION
Dental disease is an infection of teeth, gums and surrounding structures. Dental problems in pets such as tartar build up, gum disease, tooth decay. It starts with a build of plaque that eventually turns into calculus and quickly forms small pockets where animal gums meet its teeth. The gums can separate from teeth and this allows more bacteria and food accumulation. Once the gums started to move away the bone surrounding the teeth recede this is called periodontal disease.
CAUSES OF PETS DENTAL PROBLEMS
- Cavities is less common in pets than human but they can have many other problems
- Broken teeth and roots
- Periodontal disease
- Abscesses
- Cyst or tumors in mouth
- Malocclusion
- Fractured jaw
- Cleft palate
Symptoms Of Dental Disease In Cats And Dogs
- Plaque accumulation on the teeth
- Gingivitis
- Loss of appetite
- Halitosis
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Teeth falling out
- Inability to mouth while eating
- Facial swelling
- Abnormal chewing, drooling
Diagnosis
- Examination is the key to diagnosis and helps determine the type of treatment needed.
- Home exam by pets owner- smell your pet breathe if you sense a disagreeable odor your pet may have gum disease.
- Complete visual examination of face, mouth and each tooth.
- Take x-rays of the entire mouth to know about the inside of the tooth and root that lies below the gum line.
- Intraoral dental radiography- It is a valuable diagnostic tool .In certain cases advanced imaging (e.g. C.T) may be helpful in treatment planning.
- Conscious oral examination – information gathered should be interpreted with caution
- Any occlusion abnormalities
- Tooth fractured or discoloration
- Abnormal growth of tissue in mouth
PERIODONTAL DISEASE IN ANIMALS
GINGIVITIS
It is inflammation of gingiva (gums) a tough, keratinized cuff of soft tissue associated with teeth that is tightly adherent to underlying bone via periosteum and continuous with alveolar mucosa. In the progression of periodontal disease, gingivitis occurs first. Up to 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some level of periodontal disease by age of 2.
PERIODONTITIS
Periodontitis is a type of gum disease that causes sore throat, bleeding, and swollen gums if left untreated can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, gum recession and other oral health problems. Main cause of periodontitis is poor oral hygiene. Periodontitis treatment depends on the severity of the condition options include surgical and non-surgical procedures.
NON SURGICAL PERIODONTAL TREATMENT
- Dentists may prescribe oral antibiotics to fight infection and place topical antibiotics under gums to target the affected area
- Give Oral hygiene instructions
- Scaling and root planning
SURGICAL PERIODONTITIS TREATMENT
- Severe periodontitis usually requires surgery
- Dental bone grafts- these procedure help rebuild jawbone in areas where loss bone density
- Gum grafts – This process addresses gum recession which often happens in combination with periodontitis. Gum recession is when you see too many tooth roots.
CALCULUS
Calculus and tartar is a mineralized form of plaque. Calculus is a hardened dental plaque that forms on the teeth, both above and below your gum line .Unlike plaque you cannot remove tartar or calculus with Brushing and flossing. If you don’t remove tartar from your mouth that can further lead to gum recession and gum diseases. Depending on the amount of tartar build up veterinarian may recommend treatment like dental cleaning, scaling and root planning.
TREATMENT
- Managing dental disease is prevention. If you notice the first sign of dental disease that is red swollen bleeding gums (gingivitis) contact your veterinarian. Following steps is taken in prevention of dental disease in pets.
- Regular dental care
- Maintain good oral hygiene – Brushing your pet’s teeth at least once a day .Be sure to use toothpaste and toothbrush specifically designed for pets
- Provide dental chews and toys make sure to choose products according to your pet size and chewing habits.
- Mouthwashes are specially designed for pets.
REMEDIES
- Salt water rinse – treating a toothache with salt water can help reduce inflammation and heal any oral wounds. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and use as mouthwash two to three time a day.
- Garlic – Garlic has antibacterial properties. It not only kills harmful bacteria that cause dental plaque but also acts as a pain reliever .Crush a garlic clove to create a paste and apply on the affected area.
- Clove – It contains eugenol which is natural antiseptic .Dilute clove oil with carrier oil .Use a ratio of 15 drops of clove oil to one ounce of carrier oil. Dab a small amount of the diluted oil onto a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area a few times a day.
- Cold compress – when you apply a cold compress it causes a blood vessel in the area to constrict, this makes pain less severe. Hold a towel wrapped bag of ice to the affected area for 20 minutes. Repeat this process every few hours.
AYURVEDIC HERBS
- Babool (Thorny Acacia) – Babool is a natural substitute which can help to maintain your oral health and reduces the chances of infections. It has strong microbial action, which helps to prevent plaque formation on the surface of the tooth. It not only helps in strengthening the gum and helps in prevention of periodontal disease due to its kashaya (Astringent) Property. Use toothpaste with Babool as an active ingredient to brush your pet’s teeth twice a day.
- Cinnamon – Cinnamon has antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties that helps prevent tooth decay and freshen dog’s breath. Help against all dental problems regarding bad breath. With the effect of cinnamon with odor-neutralizing agents. Using cinnamon mouth spray your pets will enjoy a refreshing and aromatic breath and more pleasant smile.
- Irimeda – It is a versatile herb in the context of gum care. Irimeda has anti- inflammatory property helps reduce gum inflammation and improves overall health.
- Miswak/ Neem – It is traditional chewing sticks .Ayurveda recommended use of herbal chewing sticks. Conventional meaning of Miswak is tooth cleaning stick or stick used on teeth and gums cleaning .Another alternative of using herbal sticks as toothpastes form.
CONCLUSION
Dental health is important in pets and affects their overall health and well being. Regular dental care, including brushing your pet’s teeth, providing dental chews and toys and getting routine check-ups from a veterinarian can help prevent dental disease and maintain good oral health in pets. By taking care of your dogs and cats teeth you can help ensure that they can lead happy and healthy lives.
Dr. Vikram Chauhan
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