Dental Care

The younger you begin brushing your pet's teeth, the more comfortable they will be with it, as a part of your pet/owner relationship, and the less likely they will develop Periodontal Disease.  

What is Periodontal Disease (PD)? 

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the soft and hard structures that support your pet’s teeth. Yearly evaluation pays off. 

What are the symptoms of PD?

• Bad breath

• Broken or loose teeth

• Teeth that have become discolored or covered in tartar

• Drooling or any abnormal chewing

• Reduced appetite or not eating, as well as dropping food from their mouth as they eat

• Pain or swelling in or around the mouth

• Bleeding from the mouth

What is involved in a pet's dental cleaning? 

• A dental cleaning is performed using an ultrasonic scaler. (This removes the plaque and tartar.) 

• A dental polishing is also performed. -Any necessary teeth are extracted. (Your veterinarian will contact you during the procedure and go over any necessary extractions with you, so that you will know what to expect when you pick your pet up.) 

• Dental radiographs may be recommended. (This allows your veterinarian to better evaluate the health of your pets jaw and the tooth roots below the gum line.)

• Normally, pets get to go home the same day. In the long term care of your pet, brushing is always recommended, but there are also several chews, water additives, and powders that you can put on your pet’s food to help decrease the amount of plaque and tartar present on your pet’s teeth. 

• Finally, and most importantly, a good dental cleaning requires general anesthesia. It makes for a better cleaning overall, and allows the Veterinarian to be safe working in your pet’s mouth. Unlike humans, pets are unable to comprehend the fact that what we are doing is actually for their benefit and they can become frightened and/or hurt themselves on dental equipment.