Importance of Pet Dental Care
Our pets rely on us for dental care, because they cannot care for their own teeth. Most dogs and cats will start to show signs of periodontal disease by age three. This is normal, but if it is left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, tooth loss and pain for your pet. Regular pet dental care can extend the life of a cat or dog by two to three years.
Most pet owners do not realize when dental disease is starting to impact their pet. If your cat or dog has bad breath, that is usually an early warning sign that it’s time for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning. Pet dental care is a regular part of the overall pet health services that we provide at Oxford Animal Hospital.
Pet Dental Cleaning & Other Services
Pet dental care at Oxford Animal Hospital is performed using general anesthesia. The anesthesia also allows the veterinarian to thoroughly clean the surface of each tooth and so that the best possible evaluation and treatment plan can be developed. Your pet’s teeth and gums will be examined for the following possible dental problems:
- Unhealthy Teeth: Broken teeth, cavities and resorptive lesions can all cause your pet pain. Tooth extractions can be performed to relieve these issues.
- Gum Problems: Inflamed gums (gingivitis), receding gums, hyperplasia and other problems with your pet’s gums can be discovered during an exam. Many of these issues can be resolved with a thorough teeth cleaning. However, certain issues like gingival growths may require a more involved treatment, such as removal of the growth for biopsy.
- Periodontal Disease: This is a loss of bone growth and supporting tissues around the teeth. Sometimes a professional cleaning can solve the problem, but other times a tooth extraction is required.
Pet Dental Care at Home
Oxford Animal Hospital can teach you how to care for your pet’s teeth at home, to supplement regular pet dental care appointments. In addition to dental chews and treats, you can care for your pet’s teeth by brushing them every day. If you start to notice visible plaque, it’s time for a cleaning at the vet’s office.
Call Oxford Animal Hospital today if it’s time for pet dental care and a professional cleaning!