DENTAL CARE

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DENTAL CARE

Home / Services / Dental Care

A healthy mouth is essential to your pet’s overall health. Our team has extensive continuing education training in dentistry and strives to convey the importance of dental health to all of our clients.

Dental

Dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed health problem that pet owners discover about their furry friends. Regular check-ups help prevent the progression of dental problems and our in-depth assessments will identify any existing issues. Dental care for your pet doesn’t differ very much from your own dental health. Our veterinarians offer dental services for dogs and cats.

Dental services include:

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Free Dental Exams

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Digital Dental X-rays

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Scaling and Polishing of Teeth

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Extractions

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Oral Surgery

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Dental Home Care Coaching

How common is dental disease?

Dental disease is the most common disease seen in dogs and cats. In fact, estimates show that by the age of three nearly 80 percent of dogs and cats show some signs of periodontal disease. That’s a frightening number, especially when you consider that dental disease is entirely preventable with routine care and cleaning. By diagnosing, treating and preventing disease, relieving discomfort and pain, and promoting rapid healing and recovery, our patients lead healthier, happier, and longer lives.

What are the common signs of dental disease?

Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Bad breath
Excessive drooling
Changes in eating or chewing habits
Pawing at the face
Loose teeth
Depression

Even if your dog or cat doesn’t have these signs, we recommend that you have a veterinarian evaluate your pet’s dental health at least once a year.

Dental Disease is Preventable

Most severe dental diseases can be prevented with regular dental care. Regular mouth care early in a puppy or kitten’s life will make dental care much easier in later stages of his/her life. However, when starting as an adult, many pets need an introduction to mouth handling and brushing, before accepting this new routine.

Top 5 Dental Care Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy:

1. Regular Brushing

Brushing your pet’s teeth daily, or at least three times a week, will keep the mouth healthy and clean. Fluoride is toxic to pets so never use human toothpaste to brush your pet’s teeth. The detergents in human toothpaste are also irritating and will likely cause vomiting, as your pet is unable to spit the toothpaste residue into the sink.

2. Annual Dental Exams

Have your veterinarian check your pet’s teeth at least once a year. Most of the tooth lies below the gum line so x-rays may be needed to check for periodontal disease.

3. Dental Diets

For pets who refuse to cooperate with having their teeth cleaned, some excellent dental diets are available that really do work. Most kibble turns to mush when chewed. However, dental kibble retains its crunchiness and acts as a gentle abrasive to clean all exposed parts of the teeth. They are a terrific alternative to daily brushing.

4. Toothbrush Training

Ideally, the best time to get your pets used to brushing is when they are very young. Using an infant’s toothbrush, gently brush the outside of their teeth with just warm water daily, followed by a reward. When they are adults and really need the brushing, they will be far more willing.

5. Give Dental Treats and Chews

Your pet can help clean its own teeth just by enjoying a tasty snack! The special texture of dental treats, toys, and chews will help remove plaque and tartar as your pet chews.