Our Services: Dental Care
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How can you tell if your pet is in need of a dental cleaning? |
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| Here are a few signs and symptoms to look for while examining your pet’s mouth: | ||
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Excessive drooling | |
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Swollen, red, or bleeding gums | |
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Discolored or broken teeth | |
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Tartar build up on the teeth | |
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Bad breath | |
| If your pet has any of these signs he/she may be in need of a professional dental cleaning. | ||
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A dental cleaning is performed by the veterinary technician and supervised by the veterinarian. It involves a thorough inspection of the mouth, scaling of the tartar above and below the gum line with a high-powered dental instrument, and a polish of the teeth to complete the process. If there are any teeth that are loose or broken, they may need to be extracted. The veterinarian will determine which teeth, if any, need to be removed. If left untreated, serious problems such as gingivitis, tooth root abscesses, or septicemia (blood poisoning) can result. Smaller dogs seem to be prone to developing tartar faster and may need to have dental cleanings more often. Brushing the teeth at home can help expand the time between cleanings. It is always best to start brushing your pet's teeth when he/she is young so that they can get used to the feeling. However, it is never too late to start. There are many different types of pet toothpaste available at one of our veterinary hospitals or your local pet store. Feel free to ask one of our team members for more information regarding brushing techniques for your pet. Whether you have a cat, small dog, or large dog, you should schedule an exam with one of our veterinarians to determine if your pet is a candidate for a dental cleaning. |
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