Dental Care
Dental care is just as important for your pet as it is for you. Regular veterinary visits with dental exams keep your pet's teeth clean and healthy. Your pet's dental health has far-reaching effects on his or her overall health. If left untreated, gum problems can cause severe infections, leading to periodontal disease and loss of teeth. The infection can also spread in the blood to other organs, causing secondary problems in the heart, liver and kidneys. Because of this, dental care is a must!
When it comes to dental care for your pet, prevention is the key. Regular cleanings and home dental care can prevent plaque and tartar build-up on your pet's teeth and stop periodontal disease before it starts. The veterinarians and technicians at Mayde Creek Animal Health Center provide your pet with routine dental procedures, including dental cleanings and extractions.
Signs To Watch For
As plaque builds up on your pet's teeth, it hardens into tartar and damages the teeth and gums. This results in the disease known as gingivitis. Signs of gingivitis include bad breath and reddened gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can cause periodontal disease, a serious infection that can damage the teeth and gums and lead to health problems elsewhere in your pet's body. If your pet is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, he or she may have periodontal disease:
- Discomfort while chewing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pawing at the mouth
- Inflamed or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
Your Pet's Dental Cleaning
Regular dental cleanings are the first step toward preventing periodontal disease. The skilled veterinarians and dedicated veterinary technicians at Mayde Creek Animal Health Center can perform a thorough dental cleaning for your pet. Though similar to the procedure you undergo at your dentist's office, veterinary dental cleanings are more involved and anesthesia is necessary to keep your pet still during the procedure. Before a cleaning, each pet undergoes a complete physical examination and blood tests are performed. These tests help detect any complications that may occur during anesthesia. We use the results of these tests to develop an anesthetic protocol that is specific for your pet.
During a dental cleaning, our technicians use a hand scaler to remove tartar and plaque from your pet's teeth. A periodontal probe is then used to check under the gumline for signs of periodontal disease. Next, an ultrasonic scaler is used to clean the part of the teeth above the gumline; a curette is used to clean and smooth the teeth below the gumline. Your pet's teeth are then polished and his or her gums are washed with an anti-bacterial solution in order to prevent future tartar build-up.
While your pet is under anesthesia, his or her vital signs are monitored closely using the latest monitoring equipment. Blankets and warming pads keep your pet warm and comfortable and a trained veterinary technician keeps an eye on your pet during the procedure.
After The Cleaning
You pet's dental care doesn't end at the hospital. Caring for your pet's teeth at home is an important preventive measure that promotes good oral health. Our staff can show you how to brush your pet's teeth at home. We also can provide recommendations for specialty pet foods and treats that promote good dental health. Together, we can develop a dental health plan that will keep your pet's smile bright and healthy.