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Professional Dental Services for Pets
Dogs and cats experience the world by chewing, grinding, biting, feeling, and carrying items with their mouths. As a result of the wear and tear, providing proper pet dental care is very important. Dental care not only helps pets feel their best, but is also imperative for their overall health so that no serious dental issues shorten their lifespan.
Dental Examinations
Even with the most dedicated and caring owners, we tend to see that most of our pet patient’s teeth are slightly neglected. Unfortunately, by the time pets turn three years old, 4 out of 5 cats and dogs have some form of dental disease. Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions a pet can experience! Luckily, there are measures you as a pet owner can take to ensure your pet stays happy and healthy for years to come.
It’s important to remember that your pet’s teeth are a vital part of their body, and not just for show. Problems in pet teeth can lead to extreme pain and in some cases, infection. Infections can become life-threatening issues for your pet if spread, and not treated properly. Bacterial infections can enter your pet’s bloodstream and can spread through the body quickly, causing life-threatening issues in the liver, kidneys, or heart.
If your pet is lucky enough not to have a major infection, they can still be in a lot of intense pain from teeth that haven’t been properly cared for. This pain can cause a variety of symptoms, including less enjoyment to playing and a reduced appetite. In some cases, pain in the teeth can make your pet more anxious and even aggressive.
At TotalBond Veterinary Hospital at Bethel, we believe preventative dental care is an important part of your pet’s regular wellness examination. If you notice any of the following signs, you should also bring your pet in for evaluation:
- Discolored or chipped teeth
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen, or bloody gums
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the face and mouth
- Swallowing food whole without chewing, or resistance to eating
Regular dental exams can give us a greater indication of your pet’s overall health and if there are potential causes for concern. When bringing in your pet for a standard wellness exam, your pet’s veterinarian will give a close visual exam of their gums, teeth, and mouth. If there are any concerns, we will order additional work to be done like dental radiographs which will help us resolve the issue.
Dental Cleanings
Just like going to get your teeth cleaned twice per year, pets also need their teeth cleaned! Pet dental cleanings provide a deep-clean of your pet’s gums and teeth and is critical in getting rid of any developing dental infections or diseases. Dental cleanings go beyond brushing teeth, they address problems below the gumline and are performed under general anesthesia. Before your pet’s dental cleaning, we’ll make sure it is safe based on your pet’s age, health, and other conditions.
At-Home Dental Care
In addition to dental exams and cleanings, dental care at home is also an important part of your pet’s dental care. Dental care at home includes products you use in order to help your pet fight plaque and tartar. These products include dental sticks and brushing teeth (with appropriate pet toothpaste, of course!) The earlier you can start brushing your new pet’s teeth, the more comfortable they’ll be in the future.
