Dental Services
Dental health is an extremely important part of your pet's overall health. Untreated accumulation of tartar and bacteria in your pet's mouth can cause other health problems in your pet, such as kidney, liver, and heart conditions. Your pet's teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year to check for early signs of problems.
By the age of 3, most pets already have early evidence of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease starts with plaque that hardens into tartar. Tartar above the gum line can be easily seen and removed, but plaque and tartar below the gum line cannot be seen and can cause infection and damage to the jawbone and tissues that connect the tooth to the jaw bone. Periodontal disease is often graded on a scale of 0 (normal) to 4 (severe).
By the age of 3, most pets already have early evidence of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease starts with plaque that hardens into tartar. Tartar above the gum line can be easily seen and removed, but plaque and tartar below the gum line cannot be seen and can cause infection and damage to the jawbone and tissues that connect the tooth to the jaw bone. Periodontal disease is often graded on a scale of 0 (normal) to 4 (severe).
Symptoms of Oral Health Problems
Dental disease, or periodontal disease, is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets. Some common symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Bad breath
- Buildup of tartar on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Reduced appetite
- Broken or loose teeth
- Abnormal chewing and/or drooling
- Changes in behavior
Dental Exam and Cleaning
Good dental care starts with a thorough oral exam by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will grade the severity of dental disease and create a treatment plan specific for your pet. Depending on the severity of dental disease, the veterinarian may recommend dental radiographs to be performed by a board certified veterinary dentist.
Dental cleaning is performed under anesthesia and includes scaling the teeth to remove dental plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, followed by polishing the teeth. Anesthesia is necessary for dental procedures because it allows for a more thorough cleaning and is safer and less stressful for your pet. Although anesthesia will always have risks, the risks are very low. The benefits of dental cleanings far outweigh the relatively low risk of anesthesia. Most pets are ready to go home within a few hours of anesthesia.
Dental cleaning is performed under anesthesia and includes scaling the teeth to remove dental plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, followed by polishing the teeth. Anesthesia is necessary for dental procedures because it allows for a more thorough cleaning and is safer and less stressful for your pet. Although anesthesia will always have risks, the risks are very low. The benefits of dental cleanings far outweigh the relatively low risk of anesthesia. Most pets are ready to go home within a few hours of anesthesia.
Home Dental Care
Home dental care is essential for preventing plaque and tartar buildup. Brushing your pet's teeth is the single most effective method of removing plaque from your pet's teeth and preventing tartar buildup. With patience and training, most dogs and cats can learn to accept brushing.
While daily or weekly brushing is ideal, if brushing is not an option for you and your pet there are some other products we recommend to help prevent the buildup of tartar, such as:
While daily or weekly brushing is ideal, if brushing is not an option for you and your pet there are some other products we recommend to help prevent the buildup of tartar, such as:
- Oral Hygiene Rinse (Clenz-A-Dent or similar Chlorhexidine Rinse)
- Treated Rawhide Oral Chews (Dentahex, VeggieDent, CET Chews or similar)
- OraVet Chews
- Products with a VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval