The consequences of neglected dental care in pets goes beyond just infection and bad breath, though. Plaque can build up in the mouth over time and cause tooth decay, stains, and serious pain for your pet. Also, Oral bacteria that forms in the mouth can get into the bloodstream and cause problems for major organs, such as the heart.
Despite the fact nearly 80% of pets will get dental disease in one form or another by the time they turn 3, dental disease is very easy to prevent. There are simple steps that you can take at home to ensure that your pet maintains proper oral hygiene.
Signs that your pet may have an infection or dental disease:
Dental examinations are conducted during a pet’s routine physical exam. One of our medical professionals will look at and inspect the areas in and around the mouth. Should we find any signs of infection of dental disease, we will discuss proper treatment options with you.
We will also recommend that digital radiographs be taken of your pet’s mouth so that we can make a proper diagnosis. Digital radiographs can reveal broken teeth below the gum line, tooth decay, and foreign objects.
To fully rid a pet’s mouth of oral bacteria, a simple surface clean is not enough. Dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia and clean both below and above the gumline. General anesthesia is required for all dental cleanings. This is done for the safety of the pet as well as our medical staff.
Tooth extractions are recommended if the damage to the gum areas and mouth are found to be irreversible. Extractions can alleviate the physical pain that afflicts your pet.
The easiest way to ensure that your pet maintains good oral hygiene is by doing your part as a pet owner to help them. We know that some owners may feel overwhelmed, or that they don’t have time to brush their pet's teeth, but there are alternative options that are simple and hardly time-consuming.
We know that taking the time to brush your pet’s teeth and help them maintain proper dental hygiene may seem dreadful to some new pet owners, but we are here for you. Talk to one of our team members about the current state of your pet’s oral hygiene, and we will give you steps you can take to ensure that they are keeping their mouth bacteria-free. Your veterinarian can provide you with pet-safe dental product recommendations, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental chews, and oral rinses. Talk to yours today and ask!
Phone: 704-827-7422
