Dental care
Dental Pet Services
We offer advanced dental care, including cleanings and oral surgery. It is important to start early with your pet's dental health. We recommend brushing daily using a toothbrush and specially formulated enzymatic toothpaste for dogs to prevent the build up of plaque.
If you find brushing difficult, dental rinses or chews are a better alternative in the fight against periodontal disease.
- Baby Teeth – Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth that usually fall out by 6 months of age. If at the time of spay or neuter they have not fallen out, they should be surgically removed so as not to impede the eruption of the adult teeth.
- Adult Teeth – As your pet gets older it is important to have regular dental health checkups. This can be done at your annual appointment, or can be assessed at anytime.
- Plaque – Develops when bacteria attach to the teeth.
- Tartar / Calculus – Develops when minerals in the saliva combine with the plaque and harden.
- Gingivitis – Develops when the tartar irritates the gums, causing inflammation (redness) along the gum line as well as bad breath.
- Periodontal disease – Develops when tartar is not removed. Tartar begins to build up under the gums, and separates the gums from the teeth creating multiple pockets, which in turn allows more bacteria to grow. This can lead to loose teeth, abscesses, infection, bone loss and health problems affecting the heart, lung and kidneys, which can all be quite painful.
If your pet has tartar it will be necessary for him or her to undergo an anesthetic procedure, where an ultrasonic scaling can be performed above and below the gum line to remove the tartar build up, followed by a thorough polishing. In some instances teeth extractions may be a necessary part of your pet’s dental health. Talk to your veterinarian about developing an appropriate dental care plan for your pet.
PROGRESSION OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The number one health problem diagnosed in 8 out of 10 cats and dogs over 4 years of age is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum that causes pain, inflammation and tooth loss. With regular dental cleanings, you can help your pet avoid gum disease and add 2-4 years onto its life.
Stage 1 Gingivitis
Dental cleaning is needed within the next month to remove plaque buildup and prevent progression of dental disease. Home dental care is needed.
Stage 2 Mild Periodontitis
Dental cleaning to remove calculus is needed as soon as possible. Home dental care is needed for future prevention.
Stage 3 Moderate Periodontitis
Dental cleaning is needed immediately to remove calculus, along with antibiotics and pain medications. Extractions are likely. Home dental care is needed for future prevention.
Stage 4 Severe Periodontitis
Dental cleaning to remove calculus is needed immediately. Extractions, antibiotics, and pain medications will be necessary. Home dental care is needed for future prevention.