Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems.
Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.
Why is Pet Dental Care Important?
Poor dental care leads to oral complications such as gum and periodontal disease, but it can also cause serious health such as heart, kidney and liver disease. Pets suffer from the pain of dental problems, but they suffer in silence. By taking advantage of the exceptional pet dentistry services offered by our veterinarian, you'll spare your pet from needless pain and suffering.
Why does dentistry require anesthesia?
When you go to the dentist, you know that what’s being done is meant to help you and keep your mouth healthy. Your dentist uses techniques to minimize pain and discomfort and can ask you how you are feeling, so you accept the procedures and do your best to keep still. Your pet does not understand the benefit of dental procedures, and he or she reacts by moving, trying to escape, or even biting. Anesthesia makes it possible to perform the dental procedures with less stress and pain for your pet. In addition, anesthesia allows for a better cleaning because your pet is not moving around and risking injury from the dental equipment. Radiographs are needed, so your pet needs to be very still in order to get good images, and this is unlikely without heavy sedation or anesthesia.Although anesthesia will always have risks, it’s safer now than ever and continues to improve so that the risks are very low and are far outweighed by the benefits. Before any dental procedures, we take blood work to check that all internal organs are functioning properly as well as check heart function with an electro cardiogram. Most pets can go home the same day of the procedure, although they might seem a little groggy for the rest of the day.
Pet Dental Cleaning
After your pet has been approved for anesthesia, our staff places the IV cathter to provide fluids and medications during the procedure. We then perform a tooth-by-tooth scaling, polishing, and application of fluoride sealants. We use our ultrasound equipment to get the best possible results, cleaning both above and below the gum line. Polishing is especially important because it is harder for plaque to adhere to smooth surfaces. All during the cleaning both our veterinarian and veterinary technician monitor your pet using our modern tools and equipment. After all is complete, your pet is placed in a safe, quiet area, where he or she is also monitored closely, to recover.
What can I do at home for my pet’s oral health?
Prevention of the most common oral disease in pets consists of frequent removal of the dental plaque and tartar that forms on teeth that are not kept clean. Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do to keep their teeth healthy between dental cleanings, and may reduce the frequency or even eliminate the need for periodic dental cleaning by your veterinarian. Daily brushing is best, but it’s not always possible and brushing several times a week can be effective. Most dogs accept brushing, but cats can be a bit more resistant – patience and training are important.There are many pet products marketed with claims that they improve dental health, but not all of them are effective. Talk with your veterinarian about any dental products, treats, or dental-specific diets you’re considering for your pet, or ask your veterinarian for their recommendation.
Puppy Teeth
Proper dental care for puppy teeth sets the stage for a future of good oral hygiene for your dog, and there’s a lot you can do to help. Supply them with chew toys designed for teething puppies and get them used to having their mouth and gums touched. If your puppy does not have the baby teeth by 12 weeks, it’s time to give our veterinarian a call.
Learn More about Pet Dental Care
Whatever your pet dentistry need is, veterinarian is here to provide expert dental care. Call us at (561) 391-2266 to find out more.