Do you brush your pet’s teeth? The majority of owners probably don’t even realize how important dental hygiene is to the overall health of their pet. Dental plaque can build on your pet’s teeth daily, and if left untreated, the bacteria that forms can lead to tooth and bone loss, and may affect the liver, heart and kidneys. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates nearly 80% of pets over the age of 3 has some degree of dental disease.
When your pet comes in for a dental cleaning, an exam is performed and anesthesia is administered. The teeth are scaled, both above and below the gum line, using an ultrasonic scaler. The teeth are then polished, smoothing any minor defects in the enamel. This is the perfect opportunity to do a comprehensive oral exam, allowing us to visualize any abnormalities in the oral cavity. Any necessary extractions are done at this time.
When your pet is discharged from the hospital, we’ll review our exam findings and make any relevant recommendations for dietary changes. We will send you home with a product that works to help prevent plaque buildup. The product is easy to use and may be added to either the food or water. We also have toothbrushes and tooth paste available for you to continue “at home” care.