Dental Care

Don’t Forget Those Pearly Whites

Dental disease is the most common issue in dogs and cats, affecting over 68% of pets over the age of three. Unfortunately, most pets don’t show many signs of dental problems, but there are a few things to watch out for, such as:

• Persistent bad breath that goes beyond the usual “puppy” or “kitten” breath
• Broken, loose, or extra teeth (including baby teeth that haven’t fallen out)
• Discolored teeth or visible tartar buildup
• Unusual chewing habits, excessive drooling, or dropping food while eating
• Reluctance to eat or a noticeable decrease in appetite
• Pain, swelling, or bleeding in or around the mouth
• Occasional irritability

Even if these symptoms aren’t obvious, there could still be underlying dental disease. Left untreated, dental problems can lead to more serious health issues, including infections in the tonsils or pharynx. The bacteria from dental disease can also enter the bloodstream and potentially affect the heart, kidneys, and liver. Luckily, your vet can catch these problems early during a routine exam.

Periodontal disease, which is the inflammation or infection of the tissues around the teeth, usually starts with tartar buildup. As tartar accumulates, it causes the gums to recede, creating pockets where infection can develop. If left untreated, this can lead to the loosening and eventual loss of teeth.

Treating Periodontal Disease

Because dental procedures require anesthesia, your pet will need pre-anesthesia blood tests to make sure their kidneys and liver are functioning well. Your vet might also start your pet on antibiotics before the full dental cleaning. Please schedule an appointment for these tests and a thorough examination.

Once your pet is under anesthesia, the dental cleaning will begin. We’ll use hand instruments and ultrasonic cleaning tools to remove tartar from above and below the gum line—where most gum recession occurs. After scaling, the teeth will be polished to help prevent future plaque buildup. Depending on your pet’s dental condition, we might need to perform additional procedures, like extractions or fluoride treatments, to reduce tooth sensitivity and strengthen the enamel.

Aftercare

Plaque and tartar can start forming again just six hours after a dental cleaning! That’s why we recommend starting a home dental care routine as soon as possible. When you pick up your pet, we’ll give you detailed instructions on how to brush their teeth.