Dental Care
Most people understand the importance of daily dental care for themselves, but forget that it is also important for their pets. Plaque and tartar can build up on your pet’s teeth and gums causing bad breath, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. Also, the teeth are close to the blood stream which means that severe oral disease can worsen problems in other parts of the body like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
To help prevent these problems we offer many different products to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. Chews, dental diets, mouth rinses, and brushing teeth with a pet formulated toothpaste can help remove the bacteria off of the main surface of the tooth. Professional dental cleanings are the only way to remove the bacteria that lies under the gums. A waxy product called Oravet helps to prevent the tartar from re-sticking to the teeth. Just a few of these treatments can greatly increase your pets oral health!
Ultrasonic Scaling and Polishing
When we go in for a dental cleaning the dentist uses an ultrasonic scaler to remove the tartar from our teeth. This process even removes the tartar from under the gum line where the toothbrush can not reach. The dentist then follows up with a polishing that removes the grooves in the teeth making it harder for the tartar to grow on the teeth. Here at Union Pet Clinic, your pet receives the exact same care…actually better! Here we clean and polish your pet’s teeth and then we can apply OraVet for dogs or fluoride treatments for cats. OraVet is a waxy sealer that helps prevent plaque from adhering to the teeth. It is also available as a home kit.
See the OraVet website or for more information on dental cleaning go to Oral ATP.
Signs that your pet may have dental problems include:
- Persistent halitosis (bad breath!!)
- Discolored teeth
- Swollen, receding, or bleeding gums
- Sensitivity of the mouth (pawing or rubbing at the mouth)
- Change in eating habits or loss of appetite
- Decrease in activity
The following procedures are available at our hospital:
- Digital Dental Radiography
- Dental Cleanings
- Root Canals
- Pulpotomies, and other tooth saving procedures
- Extractions
- Counseling on home dental care
- Fluoride treatments
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your pet's dental health!
