Pet Dental Care
Your pet's dental care is an important part of his or her health! The most common dental condition affecting dogs and cats is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth. The disease is caused by bacteria present in plaque and calculus (tartar). Periodontal disease begins when plaque and calculus build up on your pet's teeth, especially below the gumline. Bad breath is often the first noticeable symptom of the disease. Eventually, if left untreated, periodontal disease can cause the breakdown and destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth, leading to infection and tooth loss.
In addition to causing oral pain and tooth loss, bacteria associated with periodontal infections can spread systemically and may adversely affect various organs, including the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Pets can have dental disease just like you. Your pet can avoid these problems by coming to Town & Country Veterinary Hospital for regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings. We are equipped to provide your pet with a full array of dental care services. In order to better identify and diagnose your pet's dental conditions, we use the latest digital dental x-ray technology. We perform complete teeth cleanings using an ultrasonic scaler and polisher and also perform surgical dental extractions.
Some of the most common signs of dental problems include:
- Bad breath - one of the first signs of dental disease
- A yellowish-brown crust of plaque on the teeth near the gum line
- Red and swollen gums
- Pain or bleeding when your pet eats or when the mouth or gums are touched
- Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
- Loose or missing teeth
Your Pet's Dental Cleaning
Your pet's veterinary dental cleaning is much different than the process you undergo each year. Veterinary dentistry is considerably more involved, time-consuming and complex. Cleaning a pet's teeth requires general anesthesia, and consequently a day of hospitalization. The skills of several people, from veterinarians to veterinary technicians and animal attendants are required for each dental procedure.
Your pet's dental cleaning begins with a complete physical examination. This examination is important for evaluating your pet's general health. After the physical exam, your pet is given an anesthetic for a safe and painless sleep during the dental cleaning.
The first part of dental cleaning requires the removal of tartar. This is done with a hand scaler. Next, an ultrasonic scaler is used to clean above the gumline while a curette cleans and smoothes the teeth under the gumline in the crevices. Then your pet's teeth are polished and the gums are washed with an anti-bacterial solution to help delay tartar build-up.
Cleaning Your Pet's Teeth At Home
Dental care does not end with a visit to your veterinarian. Brushing your pet's teeth is an important part of home dental care. Any member of Town & Country Veterinary Hospital can show you the proper method of brushing your pet's teeth.
