Imagine what your mouth would feel like if you never brushed your teeth or went to the dentist. For many dogs and cats this is a painful reality. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have periodontal disease by the age of 3. Dental(or periodontal) disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets.
Common signs of periodontal disease include:
- 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
- Stained or Discolored teeth
Even if your pet does not have these symptoms, we recommend that you have a veterinarian evaluate your pet’s dental health at least once per year. Bacteria and food debris accumulate around the teeth, and if left unchecked, will lead to the deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay can result in irreversible periodontal disease, tooth loss, and possible need for oral surgery.
Some people think that if their pet is still able to eat, they are not suffering from any pain from dental disease, which is not always the case. Dental disease can also affect other organs as bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause serious infections in the kidney, liver, lungs, and heart.
Schedule your pet a dental exam today and we can show you how to brush your pet’s teeth, as well as recommend diet changes or treatment options to help combat plaque and tartar buildup.
We have a very high-tech digital oral radiography system that allows us to do an entire mouth dental X-ray in a matter of minutes. We provide this service with every dental procedure done in our clinic. Having oral X-rays is key to providing proper dental service, as without this diagnosis of pathologies hidden under the gum line is impossible.