Keeping Those Chompers Healthy
Sometimes, keeping your pet's chompers healthy can feel like a big job. After all, they don't brush their teeth every night before bed like we do! Fortunately, [practice] is here to help with your pet's dental health.
We provide comprehensive veterinary dental care for dogs and cats, from routine professional dental cleanings to treatment for periodontal disease, damaged teeth, and other oral health conditions. You can also learn more about our Dog Dental Care and Cat Dental Care services.
Taking care of your pet's teeth is about more than keeping their smile looking clean. A healthy mouth can help your pet stay comfortable and continue enjoying the things they love, from mealtime to playing with their favorite toys.
Why Dental Care Matters
Plaque naturally builds up on your pet's teeth. When it isn't removed, it can harden into tartar that firmly adheres to the teeth, including areas along and below the gum line.
Over time, this buildup can contribute to periodontal disease, which can damage the gums and the structures that support your pet's teeth. Dental disease can also be painful, even when your pet doesn't show obvious signs of discomfort.
Regular dental examinations and professional cleanings allow us to identify problems early and help keep your pet's mouth healthy and comfortable.
Professional Dental Cleanings
When your pet needs a professional dental cleaning, our veterinary team uses sonic and ultrasonic power scalers, along with handheld instruments, to carefully remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth.
Because tartar and bacteria can collect both above and below the gum line, a thorough dental cleaning goes beyond what you can see when your pet opens their mouth. Our team carefully cleans around the teeth and gum line to help give your pet a healthier mouth.
Dental cleanings also allow us to take a closer look at your pet's teeth and gums and identify areas that may need additional attention.
Sometimes a Tooth Needs a Little Extra Help
Our goal is always to help your pet keep as many healthy teeth as possible. However, sometimes a tooth is too damaged or diseased to remain comfortably in the mouth.
Tooth extraction may be necessary when a tooth is severely damaged, loose, infected, or affected by advanced periodontal disease. Removing a diseased tooth can relieve pain and help prevent the problem from affecting the surrounding tissue and neighboring teeth.
If your pet needs an extraction, we'll explain why it is recommended and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Dental Care Under Anesthesia
Our practice requires anesthesia for dental procedures. This allows our veterinary team to safely and thoroughly clean your pet's teeth, including areas below the gum line, while keeping your pet comfortable and minimizing stress.
Before anesthesia, we perform a complete physical examination and run blood tests to help assess your pet's health and determine the safest approach for their procedure.
We closely monitor your pet throughout anesthesia, keeping an eye on important measurements including oxygen saturation, carbon dioxide levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.
We also use anesthetic gel and local anesthetic injections to help manage discomfort when appropriate.
Your pet's safety and comfort are our priorities from the beginning of their dental procedure through recovery.
Signs Your Pet May Need a Dental Check-Up
Our pets are pretty good at hiding discomfort, and dental problems can sometimes progress without obvious signs at home. You may notice:
- Chronic bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar around the gum line
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Loose, broken, or missing teeth
- Excessive drooling
- Dropping food while eating
- Difficulty chewing
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Your pet shies away when you try to touch their mouth area
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Changes in behavior that may indicate discomfort
If you notice any of these signs, don't wait for your pet's dental problem to become more serious. Early evaluation can give us more opportunities to protect your pet's teeth and keep them comfortable.
How Often Does My Pet Need a Dental Cleaning?
Every pet is different. During your pet's routine examinations, our veterinarians evaluate their teeth, gums, and mouth and can recommend professional dental care based on their individual needs.
Dogs and cats can have different dental needs depending on factors such as age, breed, health, and their current oral condition. Some pets may need professional cleanings more frequently than others.
At-home dental care can also make a big difference between professional cleanings. Ask our veterinary team about brushing your pet's teeth and other ways you can help keep their mouth healthy at home.
A Little Dental Care Goes a Long Way
Your pet may not appreciate having their teeth brushed, but their mouth plays an important role in their overall health and comfort. Regular dental examinations and appropriate professional care can help identify problems early and keep those tails wagging and purrs coming.
If you've noticed bad breath, tartar, changes in eating habits, or other signs that something may be bothering your pet's mouth, we're here to help.