Dental Care
Importance of Dental Health
You know that slimy feeling on your teeth by the end of the day? That stickiness is plaque which builds up on your teeth from food, liquids, and saliva. This occurs to your pets as well. Over time plaque accumulates on their teeth and with time this hardens to form tarter. Slowly you will notice teeth having a hardened yellow/brown substance build up on their teeth. The longer this builds up the more bacteria accumulates in your pet’s mouth putting their health at risk.
Dental disease is the leading cause of illness affecting pet’s heart, kidney, and lung function. When bacteria builds in the mouth this can then enter the bloodstream affecting these vital organs. Buildup of bacteria in the mouth can also create tooth pain making it painful for your pet to eat.
When dental disease is evident it’s best recommended to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will then determine if a dental cleaning should be scheduled. Some pets may require antibiotics or pain medications prior to a cleaning.
Preventable Dental Care
Teeth Brushing
Teeth Brushing is by far the best way to prevent dental disease. You can use a tooth brush made for pets or a human toothbrush. Be sure to use PET toothpaste as human tooth paste is toxic to pets.
Dental Chews
Dental Chews are a great option for pets who love treats or something to chew on. By chewing they are reducing the amount of plaque and tarter on the teeth.
Water Additives
Water Additives are a great and easy way for dental health. Add a small amount of an enzymatic solution per cup to your pet’s bowl of water to prevent plaque accumulation.
Prescription Diets
Prescription Diets for dental disease can be beneficial in reducing plaque, tarter, and stains in pets.
Routine Anesthetic Dental Cleanings
Routine Anesthetic Dental Cleanings are beneficial for pets to prevent dental disease. This allows us to remove plaque and tarter to prevent extractions in the future.
Signs of Dental Disease
– Bad Breath
– Red Gums
– Tooth Discoloration
– Drooling
– Pain when mouth is touched
– Discomfort when eating
– Reduced appetite
– Facial swelling
– Broken or loose tooth
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Anesthesia?
When you go to the dentist you know to stay still and calm for your hygienist and more importantly not bite them! For pets they can’t comprehend what we need them to do. For this reason all pets are placed under monitored anesthesia to perform a safe dental cleaning. This allows veterinary staff to be able to examine a pet’s entire mouth.
What to expect?
Expect your pet to be safely monitored while under anesthesia. Once your pet is fully anesthetized veterinary staff begin by taking full mouth dental radiographs. This allows us to look for abnormalities below the gum line of a tooth. Once this is completed all teeth are charted looking for abnormalities like gingivitis, mobility, fractures, resorptive lesions, and more. At this time if any diseased teeth are found extractions are preformed. If none are found the dental is then completed with all teeth being scaled and polished.