Oral & Dental Health
An often over-looked, but critical part of your pet's overall health care is dental care. A pet with an unhealthy mouth is an unhealthy pet. Years ago, we assumed that all dogs would eventually have dirty, stained teeth and that their breath smelled 'doggy'. Today, it is known that dogs with healthy mouths have clean, tartar-free teeth and a pleasant mouth odor. Animals with dirty teeth and foul breath have oral disease; they may have mouth pain and are more likely to suffer from diseases related to mouth bacteria. Sadly, cats, ferrets, and other small pets also can suffer from dental disease however, that does not have to happen. All of our pets benefit from veterinary care of mouth and teeth.
Facts About Your Pet's Mouth
- ALL pets need yearly mouth examinations.
- Bad breath is a sign of dental disease - your pet should be examined as soon as possible.
- Small breeds of dogs have the most problems with their teeth. Their teeth are crowded and can easily build up plaque.
- 60% of disease is below the gum line – it can only be identified during a dental cleaning and often requires dental x-rays.
- Pets should have their teeth brushed at home every day.
- Pets need routine professional cleaning – this is done at the animal hospital.
- 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by the time they are 3 years old!
- Geriatric pets greatly benefit from routine dental cleanings and tooth care.
- Signs of dental disease: pain, excessive drooling, broken or loose teeth, bleeding gums, sores, or wounds in the mouth or on the cheeks.
Facts About Puppies And Kittens
- Puppies and kittens need mouth exams to make sure their teeth are coming in properly. Misaligned teeth can cause problems.
- Retained baby teeth need removal. The doctor will advise you as to the proper time to remove them.
- Brushing and other home care can help prevent a lifetime of dental problems.
Preventable Problems Related To Dental Disease
Many health problems are linked to improper care of your pet's teeth. Proper, routine cleaning and care will not prevent every disease, but will help eliminate mouth disease which can cause any of the following problems.
- Tooth loss
- Heart murmurs and worsening heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Oral abscesses
- Bad breath (halitosis)
Dental Services We Offer
- The basis of all oral care is a thorough mouth examination.
- Dental x-rays are taken using state-of-the-art radiographic equipment. Dental radiographs are an important component of dental care, as they allow the doctors to fully identify the cause and extent of any oral problem. These specialized x-rays are taken while the pet is under anesthesia and help the veterinarian uncover mouth problems that do not show on an external examination.
- A comprehensive, individualized plan will be set up for your pet.
- Blood work is required prior to treatment.
- General anesthesia is required for all dental work.
- Dental Prophylaxis: This preventive care is a thorough cleaning and polishing procedure available to all pets, no matter their age, with healthy mouths or mild problems. It helps to prevent severe oral problems, such as gingivitis and tooth loss. Your pet is placed under general anesthesia and the teeth are cleaned with an ultrasonic tip to remove tartar, the tissues below the gums are cleaned, and the teeth are polished. Dental prophylaxis may be needed up to twice per year for pets with a tendency to accumulate tartar.
- Age is not a deterrent to dental care. We encourage dental cleanings and care for older pets.
- Dental Treatment: If your pet has disease in the mouth, gingivitis, an abscess, or broken or loose teeth, the doctor will recommend appropriate therapy to treat the problem. Treatment of abscesses or tooth extractions is performed under general anesthesia. Our goal is to help your pet keep a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums. Therefore, we offer endodontic and periodontic services, including root canal therapy.
- We are pleased to offer a dental vaccine for dogs that helps prevent periodontal disease caused by some bacteria.