Pet Dental Care Supports Overall Health
Just like with humans, good dental care is an important step in general wellness for pets. Oral health effects not only the teeth and gums, but internal organs as well. For this reason, we recommend beginning dentistry services in patients by three years of age.
Dental Care For Your Pet
Dental care is fundamental to your pet’s overall wellness, longevity, and comfort. Dental disease is oftentimes overlooked, but one of the most common conditions we treat in our patients. If left untreated, pets can experience oral pain, develop serious health issues like bone infection and organ damage, and a lower quality of life. For this reason, a thorough dental assessment is performed during every physical exam.
Curious if your pet has some form of dental disease? Bad breath is one of the first signs. Other warning signs include discolored teeth, swollen gums, excessive drooling, difficulty chewing, and pawing at the face and mouth. If you observe any of these symptoms in your pet, we encourage you to call and schedule a professional dental exam and cleaning.
We may recommend a bi-annual cleaning for some patients that are predisposed to developed terrible gingivitis and dental calculus. Breeds such as Yorkshire Terrier, chihuahuas, and pugs are some that greatly benefit from a strict dental routine. Ask your vet what daily dental routine is right for you.
If a dental cleaning, extraction, or other procedure is advised, we will walk you through the process and explain your pet’s treatment in detail. Pet dental cleanings closely resemble what humans experience at the dentist, but the process is performed under general anesthesia for the safety of both the patient and veterinary professional. Procedural benefits are immediately evident in reduced oral pain, improved ability to chew food, fresher breath, and a sparkling smile.
Continued at-home care is essential to slow tartar build-up and maintain good oral health. If your pet allows you to brush their teeth, that’s great! If not there are alternatives such as rinses, treats, and toys to help breakdown tartar on the teeth.
