Oral ailments (continued)

Gingivitis

Last week, it was promised that we would continue our discussion on Gingivitis (Sore gums), specifically with the treatment of this ailment.

As we emphasized in the previous article, Gingivitis is not as easily curable as other diseases, since it often is an expression of another more fundamental problem. We had mentioned tartar (plaque or dental calculus) build-up, recession of the gums, root abscesses, tooth decay as more fundamental causes of the problem.

pet cornerIt is logical, therefore, that any treatment of Gingivitis must first focus on the primary ailments. If tartar accumulation is the foremost problem (tartar is an excellent medium for bacterial growth, it seems) then we must remove these chemical substances that are firmly affixed to the teeth (especially the canines, premolars and the molars). This entails scraping off the plaque.

Now, this previous sentence might give the impression that this manipulation is a simple task. It is not. For one thing, no self-respecting dog will allow you to enter its mouth with a scraper and begin to carry out the plaque removal exercise. In all likelihood,