With good dental care, your pet can enjoy a long and healthy life
Dental disease affects up to 80% of pets over the age of three, and just like humans, there can be serious consequences to poor dental health. If left untreated, it can lead to oral pain, bad breath, tooth loss, and even systemic infections. Veterinary dental care is one of the most important services provided at our hospital. Every exam includes a thorough dental evaluation. Dental cleanings and possible extractions are recommended for all animals with periodontal disease, and as a preventative measure for animals with warning signs. Our Hospital offers the latest in dental technology, including: ultrasonic scaling, polishing, high speed drill for extractions and digital dental x-rays.
When should dental care start with my pet?
The earlier the better. From the start we will be on the lookout for retained deciduous teeth (baby teeth that haven't fallen out) and malocclusion (bad bite) problems. We will also educate you on how to care for your pet's teeth and gums early on. Here are some links to help you choose the right at home dental care for your pet.
VOHC Accepted Products for Cats
VOHC Accepted Products for Dogs
How can I tell if my pet has dental problem?
Bad breath is often a first indicator of dental disease. Gently lift the lips and check for tartar, inflamed gums, or missing/broken teeth. Cats may exhibit increased drooling. Both cats and dogs can exhibit reluctance to eat or play with toys, "chattering" of the teeth when trying to eat, lethargy, bleeding gums, eroded teeth, and failing to groom (cats). Dental disease progresses in stages -- if caught early, you can prevent further damage and save as many teeth as possible.
How is the rest of the body affected by bad teeth?
Infected gums and teeth aren't just a problem in the mouth -- the heart, kidneys, intestinal tract, and joints may also be infected. The tartar and any infected areas of the mouth contain a multitude of bacteria than can 'seed' to other parts of the body. With regular dental care, you can prevent some of these more serious side effects.
When should dental care start with my pet?
The earlier the better. From the start we will be on the lookout for retained deciduous teeth (baby teeth that haven't fallen out) and malocclusion (bad bite) problems. We will also educate you on how to care for your pet's teeth and gums early on. Here are some links to help you choose the right at home dental care for your pet.
VOHC Accepted Products for Cats
VOHC Accepted Products for Dogs
How can I tell if my pet has dental problem?
Bad breath is often a first indicator of dental disease. Gently lift the lips and check for tartar, inflamed gums, or missing/broken teeth. Cats may exhibit increased drooling. Both cats and dogs can exhibit reluctance to eat or play with toys, "chattering" of the teeth when trying to eat, lethargy, bleeding gums, eroded teeth, and failing to groom (cats). Dental disease progresses in stages -- if caught early, you can prevent further damage and save as many teeth as possible.
How is the rest of the body affected by bad teeth?
Infected gums and teeth aren't just a problem in the mouth -- the heart, kidneys, intestinal tract, and joints may also be infected. The tartar and any infected areas of the mouth contain a multitude of bacteria than can 'seed' to other parts of the body. With regular dental care, you can prevent some of these more serious side effects.
My pet needs a dental cleaning -- what is involved with that?
Pre-dental lab work will be performed prior to the procedure. This is a check on the overall health of the pet to make sure that liver, kidneys, and blood counts are within normal ranges and to reduce any risks possible prior to the anesthesia. Your pet will be fasted from the evening before for the anesthesia. The dental itself is similar to a human dental cleaning - tartar removal, checking for cavities, gingival (gum) pockets, loose teeth, any growths on the gums or palate, removal of diseased teeth, and finally, polishing.
Pre-dental lab work will be performed prior to the procedure. This is a check on the overall health of the pet to make sure that liver, kidneys, and blood counts are within normal ranges and to reduce any risks possible prior to the anesthesia. Your pet will be fasted from the evening before for the anesthesia. The dental itself is similar to a human dental cleaning - tartar removal, checking for cavities, gingival (gum) pockets, loose teeth, any growths on the gums or palate, removal of diseased teeth, and finally, polishing.
