Many pet owners are unable to brush their pet’s teeth on a daily basis. Puppies and kittens should be introduced to having their teeth brushed early in order to get them accustomed to it and to help you as the owner develop a routine. Please contact one of our staff about introducing teeth-brushing to your pet.
Diet can be a factor contributing to tartar build-up in your pet’s mouth. Please contact one of our staff for recommendations.
Why Does My Pet Need Professional Dental Care?
- To prevent or control painful periodontal disease, a condition in which bacteria attack the soft gum tissue.
- To prevent damage to the gums, teeth and their roots, bone and supporting tissue.
- To prevent the absorption of toxins released by bacteria from entering the blood stream via damaged tissues in the mouth.
- To prevent bacteria from spreading from the mouth to other vital organs of the body where they may cause life threatening infections.
- To treat an existing dental infection or dental problem.
- If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause life threatening complications to the heart, kidneys, lungs, liver and in some cases, the nervous system. Periodontal disease may also be very painful and teeth may be sensitive, causing your pet’s appetite to decrease or become “picky”. If your pet hasn’t had a recent examination, please consider scheduling a pre-dental exam. The veterinarian may recommend a blood panel and urinalysis to rule out any complications if your pet is older than 7 years of age.
What Is Involved In Having Professional Dental Care?
- Your pet will be hospitalized for the day and will receive a general anesthetic in order to perform the dentistry.
- The teeth are scaled with an ultrasonic scaler.
- The area under the gums is cleaned with either power equipment or hand scalers.
- All surfaces above and below the gum-line are polished, leaving a very smooth surface to slow down future tartar accumulation.
- All gum surfaces are explored and assessed to detect periodontal problems.
- Any structural damage to teeth, bone and their supporting tissue will be x-rayed to assess the extent of the problem to ensure proper treatment is given.
- Periodontal problems can be corrected by proper surgery. In severe cases, extraction of the tooth is necessary. A referral veterinary dentist may be recommended in some cases.
What Will I Notice After Professional Dental Care?
- My pet’s teeth are clean and white and have no tartar.
- My pet’s breath will improve.
- My pet may seem “younger” and more active.
- My pet’s appetite may improve.
- Although these are desirable improvements, the most important improvements will be those “unseen” by the owner. These benefits include:
- Prevention or elimination of pain
- Improved health by preventing the absorption of toxins and bacteria into the bloodstream.
How Will I Know If My Pet Requires Professional Dental Care?
When your pet has an annual health examination, the veterinarian will assess your pet’s mouth and recommend a dentistry if required.
Signs to look for at home include:
- Bad breath.
- Gums are inflamed (red and swollen) or bleeding.
- Gums are receding, exposing the roots of the teeth.
- Gums may have lesions and may even be draining pus.
- Tartar present (yellow to brown “crust” formed on teeth) – Your pet’s teeth should be white.
- Loss of teeth.
- Painful chewing or poor appetite.
- Swelling of the face.
