Plaque, a colorless film composed mostly of bacteria, forms continuously on teeth and gums. Plaque accumulation is the first step in a chain of events that can eventually result in mouth odor, inflammation, pain, infection, and tooth loss. One cubic millimeter of plaque (about the size of a grain of salt) contains 300 million bacteria. After mixing with food particles and minerals in saliva, some of the plaque hardens into a deposit called tartar. Unchecked, plaque and tartar build up and can lead to inflamed gums (gingivitis). Pockets of infection form around the roots resulting in pain and tooth loss. In addition, bacteria from oral infections can get into circulation and affect the heart, liver and kidneys.

The good news is that these problems can be prevented! We recommend a three part strategy for dental care. The first is preventive brushing. Regular brushing 3-5 times weekly removes plaque and smooths the enamel surface.With a cooperative pet, brushing should take less than ten minutes. Soft bristled brushes are recommended along with specially formulated toothpastes which contain enzymatic and antimicrobial cleaners.

The second strategy is preventive care through professional scaling and polishing. This procedure removes tartar and plaque and polishes the enamel surface in the same way a dental hygenist cares for our teeth.

Finally, it is important for pet owners to routinely examine their animals for signs of dental problems, pulling the lips back far enough to see all the teeth. Signs to look for include the edge of the gum tissue becoming thickened and puffy; the color of the gum edge appearing dark pink or red compared to the surrounding tissue; the light tan color of tartar accumulation. These changes are reversible with dental scaling and polishing. Prolonged gingivitis or more serious inflammation compromises the attachment of the teeth to the bone and results in serious infection, tooth loss, and other problems. We encourage our clients not to overlook this very important part of pet health care.

Recently, two friends said a painful good-bye to their beloved pets. Both animals were the victims of accidental poisonings. The Animal Poison Control Center reports over 41,000 cases of companion animal poisonings last year. These cases are primarily accidental from common plants, drugs, or household chemicals. Many pet owners are not aware of the potential danger from such items (for example, Tylenol, antifreeze, and Easter Lilies). If you suspect that your pet may have been exposed to a toxic substance, call the veterinarian immediately. In most cases, prompt action is critical. It is helpful to make note of the time, quantity, and exact nature of the substance to which the pet was exposed. If possible, bring the container or remainder of the material to the attending veterinarian. Here are some important numbers to keep by the phone:

Animal Energecy Clinic (Serving the greater Athens area): 706-769-0229

Georgia Poison Control: 1-800-282-5846

ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC): 1-900-680-0000

Farewell!

This year we said a fond farewell to two long-time employees. Missy Jackson left her position as receptionist to pursue her career in nursing. Missy was graduated in June from the Medical College of Georgia Nursing School. Mindi Nickels left the Clinic in May. Following her June wedding to Mr. Stephen Hantus, a medical student at MCG, Mindi moved to Augusta where she will complete her studies in veterinary technology.

Welcome!

In March, we welcomed our new Office Manager Angie Dordigan. Angie has lived in Athens for the past twelve years and is a 1995 graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Home Economics and Journalism. Prior to joining Shoal Creek Animal Clinic as our new Office Manager, Angie worked for Kroger as the manager of the Health, Beauty Aids, and Video Departments. Angie has an eighteen-year-old boy and two three-year-old girls (all felines) that keep her on her toes. In her spare time, she enjoys jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles and watching movies. Angie shares, "I feel privileged to be a part of the Shoal Creek family and look forward to getting to know you and your pets."

Jennifer Keller began as our new receptionist this summer. Jennifer is a graduate in community health from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She enjoys walking, cooking, antique hunting, and spending time with her fiancé, Bruce, and dog, Mya.

Our technical staff has grown this month with the addition of Kathryn Hunt and John Bryan. John obtained his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Emory University and pursued interests in agriculture and education while serving with the Peace Corps in Africa. He enjoys music, athletics, and the company of his Bull Mastiff, "Zach." Kathryn was graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in Anthropolgy and a minor in Religion. She spent the last year in Costa Rica teaching English and is now earning a degree in Studio Art. Both John and Kathryn are completing their pre-medical requirements for application to the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Congratulations!