Dental Care
Your pet needs dental care! Keeping your pet's teeth clean and healthy is about more than just preventing bad breath - periodontal disease is one of the most common, and most preventable, conditions in pets.
Periodontal disease is caused by the build-up of tartar and plaque on your pet's teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause bacteria to spread from the mouth and into your pet's blood and damage the heart, liver, kidneys and other organs. Regular dental exams and cleanings are the best way to prevent periodontal disease.
If your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms, you should schedule a dental examination appointment immediately:
- Discomfort while chewing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Drooling
- Bad breath
- Inflamed or bleeding gums
Your Pet's Dental Cleaning
A veterinary dental cleaning is similar to, but much more involved than the same procedure you undergo at the dentist. Your pet's dental cleaning requires a general anesthetic in order to keep him or her still and comfortable, and, thus, requires a day's hospitalization.
Prior to each cleaning, we perform a complete physical examination of your pet and perform some necessary blood tests. This helps us identify any potential health problems that could complicate the use of anesthesia on your pet. Once the anesthetic is administered, the cleaning begins. We start by removing tartar from your pet's teeth using a hand scaler. A periodontal probe is then used to check for pockets under the gumline where bad breath and periodontal disease start. Next, an ultrasonic scaler is used to clean above the gumline. A curette is used to clean and smooth the teeth under the gumline. Finally, the teeth are polished, creating a smooth surface that prevents plaque and tartar buildup. Finally, the teeth and gums are washed with an anti-bacterial solution to delay tartar buildup.
Dental Care At Home
We recommend all pets receive a complete dental cleaning one to two times a year. Between cleanings, you can keep your pet's teeth clean and healthy with regular brushing and the use of other home dental products. Our staff can show you how to brush your pet's teeth and answer any questions you have about your pet's dental health.