Pet Dentistry
One of the most important parts of pet healthcare is pet dental care. A routine check of the teeth, gums and mouth can prevent a number of serious health problems, and can give our veterinarians clues for diagnosing problems your pet may already have. Pets with unhealthy mouths run the risk of tartar buildup, which can cause bacteria to be trapped in the mouth. If this bacteria spreads through your pet’s body, it can cause serious internal infections in the heart, liver and other organs.
Talking about Pet Dental Care
We like to see our adult pet patients once a year for annual wellness checkups, and one of the most important parts of that wellness exam is a pet dental exam. Our veterinarians will check your dog or cat for loose or missing teeth, any tartar buildup that may be forming, for swollen or red gums or for extremely bad breath which can be a sign of any number of health problems. The results of the dental exam can show a need for different dental treatments, including:
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Teeth cleaning, which is done under general anesthesia for your pet’s safety. We’ll remove dangerous tartar and plaque buildup, leaving your pet’s teeth shiny and healthy.
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Tooth extractions, which can be done for broken teeth as well as loose or decayed teeth.
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Scaling and polishing the teeth, to make sure your pet’s teeth are completely smooth and tartar free.
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Treating your pet’s mouth with fluoride to strengthen their teeth.
Talking about Preventative Care
Your pet will leave our office with beautiful, shiny teeth, but it’s the care in between visits that’s the most important, just like when you go to the dentist. If you’re not completely comfortable with brushing your pet’s teeth on a regular basis, our veterinarians will be happy to consult with you and train you in the best ways to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. We can recommend a variety of different brushing tools, toothpaste, and even water additives to help keep your pet’s teeth in great shape in between office visits.
At Home Pet Dental Care
Providing at home dental care is necessary to keeping your pet’s mouth healthy and clean between professional cleanings. We recommend brushing your pet’s teeth regularly, but we understand that some pets simply won’t allow it. If you struggle with this, please talk to us. We have a number of other dental health options that can help your pet keep a clean healthy mouth.