Most people understand that daily attention to their teeth and gums is essential for a healthy mouth, and a healthy body.  What many people do not realize, is that pets are also in need of this daily dental care.  As in people, plaque and tartar will build up on an animal’s teeth.  If not removed, this buildup can lead to periodontal disease and more serious health problems.  There are many products available to aid in dental care in pets, including brushes and pastes, dental diets, dental treats, barrier gels such as OraVet, and much more.  Of course, pets also need regular dental cleanings to remove the plaque and tartar buildup that the dental products can not.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis
When plaque and tartar accumulate on an animal’s teeth, bacteria begin to grow around the gums.  These bacteria, along with food debris, eventually work their way under the gum line.  This results in gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, which is the first stage of periodontal disease.  If left untreated, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis.  This is a much more advanced and serious stage of periodontal disease.  In periodontitis, pockets of infection form around the tooth, as bacteria destroy supporting tissues.  This results in potential abscess formation, tooth loss, and pain for your pet.  In addition, periodontal disease can affect more than just the teeth and gums of your pet.  Inflamed, bleeding gums allow bacteria to enter your pet’s bloodstream, and can attack your pet’s heart, liver, and kidneys.  This spread of infection can cause very serious health problems.

Signs that your pet may have dental problems include:

Oral Examinations
If your pet is experiencing any of the signs listed above, a complete examination including a thorough oral exam should be performed.  During your pet’s annual exam at our hospital, his or her oral cavity will be examined and evaluated for any signs of dental disease.  These routine examinations allow dental disease to be discovered and treated earlier to keep your pet as healthy as possible.  Most pets will eventually require routine dental cleanings, which our veterinarians will discuss with you at the time of the examination. At home or in hospital dental care will be recommended as needed. The following procedures are available at our hospital:

Starting off on the right foot………….
We feel that the best way to address dental disease is prevention.  We will start your pet off at a young age.  On your very first visit to our hospital, we will discuss tooth brushing and other important prevention tools to keep your pet healthy.

Please contact us if you notice any signs of dental disease in your pet or if you have any questions about oral care.

Dental X-Ray                          Pre-Root Canal                         Post-Root Canal