We recommend having your pet’s teeth checked and cleaned at least
ONCE A YEAR.
Dental care is an important and often overlooked factor in keeping your pet healthy and happy. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by three years of age. Consistent home dental care and routine professional examinations can help prevent problems like bad breath or oral infections.
A good dental program will provide comfort and longevity to your pet’s life as well as make them more pleasant to be around. Both dogs and cats need regular dental care. Just like humans, the build-up of plaque and tartar deposits on your pet’s teeth that results from inadequate maintenance of the teeth and gums by brushing or cleaning leads to gingivitis and periodontitis. These diseases, in their advanced stages, pose serious health risks which can include heart, lung, and kidney problems.
SIGNS YOUR PET NEEDS DENTAL CARE
There are many different ways to check and see if your pet may be having dental issues, but there are also signs that may not be as visible. This is why veterinarians recommend having your pet’s teeth checked annually. Here are some things to keep an eye (or nose) out for:
Bad breath
Broken, loose, or missing teeth
Discoloration or tartar build up
Excessive chewing or drooling
Reduced appetite or inability to chew
Swelling and bleeding in or around the mouth
Common Pet Dental Care Questions
WHAT DOES A DENTAL CLEANING ENTAIL?
We recommend a preventative dental care routine that includes professional dental cleanings by us. Our cleaning process includes an examination of each of your pet’s individual teeth. We check for mobility, fractures, and malocclusion. We use a modern and safe ultrasonic cleaner to clean each tooth thoroughly – above and below the gum line. Dental technicians polish the teeth to create a smooth, lustrous tooth surface more resistant to plaque buildup. Fluoride treatments help strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity.
What dental services do we provide?
- Oral/dental exams.
- Dental radiographs.
- Comprehensive dental cleanings, polishing and fluoride treatments.
- Minor oral surgery including, but not limited to, tooth extractions, fistula repairs and removal of oral tumors.
- Comprehensive pain management before, during and after any oral procedure that may produce discomfort.
- Monitored general anesthesia through our knowledgeable, well-trained technicians with the aid of digital monitoring for the vital signs.
- Home dental care instructions.
Why are dental x-rays important?
Dental radiology (i.e., dental x-rays) is an essential tool in both humans and pets to complete the dental assessment and generate an acceptable therapeutic plan. Because 50% of each tooth is below the gum line, it is not possible to examine the entire tooth using any other method. We recommend full mouth films for every pet, every dental procedure just like your dentist does for you. X-rays will uncover any hidden painful disease, such as root abscesses, root fractures, severe bone loss of the jaw and cystic lesions, so that they can be corrected during the procedure. Dental x-rays are especially imperative in pets due to their high tolerance of pain and inability to communicate it.
How can i keep my pet's mouth clean at home?
A good dental care routine includes at home dental care. Brushing your pet’s teeth every day will reduce or eliminate plaque buildup. For dogs AND cats, regular at-home brushing is an important part of a preventative dental program. Brushing your pet’s teeth every day will reduce or eliminate plaque buildup. Our staff will show you how to brush your pet’s teeth at home. Brushing your pet’s teeth at the same time each day with a pet toothpaste (do not use human toothpaste) and a brushing device (toothbrush, finger brush, gauze on your finger, etc.) is the most effective means of removing plaque from your pet’s teeth. If you have any questions on how to brush your pet’s teeth, please give us a call.
Please call us to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians if your dog or cat is exhibiting any of these signs of dental diseases:
• Loss of appetite or loss of weight
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth or teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
• Your pet shies away from you when you touch the mouth area
• Drooling or dropping food from the mouth
• Bleeding from the mouth
Could my pet be in pain?
Our pets have a strong natural instinct to hide pain, so this can be difficult to recognize. Many times they will mask the pain and owners may not even notice a difference in their pet’s eating or day-to-day routines. This is why our pets will continue eating, even if their teeth look or smell bad. Some lesser known indications of pain include increased licking, altered or heavy breathing, changes in posture, and changes in sleep habits.
