Why is pet dentistry important?
Proper dental care is just as important for your pet as it is for you and your family. It’s an essential element of their overall health and wellbeing, which is why we offer comprehensive pet dentistry services at CRAH.
Periodontal disease is very common in dogs and cats, and most will show symptoms of the disease by the age of three. It is caused by the bacteria found in the dental plaque that builds up on the teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to gum infections, loose and missing teeth, bleeding and swollen gums, and poor eating habits due to mouth pain. The bacteria can be carried by the bloodstream throughout the body and cause serious damage to internal organs including the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of gum disease, especially in older pets. They include:
- Bad breath
- Inflamed (red) gums or red line under teeth
- Hard yellow/tan tartar on teeth
- Missing or loose teeth
- Loss of appetite
- Sinus infections
- Mouth sores/ulcers
- Low immunity
- Broken jaw
- Severe mouth infection
Pet Dentistry at CRAH
If your pet is over three, chances are he or she has some symptoms of periodontal (dental disease). Left untreated, it can result in gum infections, tooth loss, pain, and difficulty eating. Eventually bacteria can make its way through the bloodstream to other internal organs, and it’s believed that as much as 80% of heart, kidney, and liver disease in pets begins with periodontal disease.
At Creedmoor Road Animal Hospital, we recommend annual teeth scaling (cleaning) at a minimum. In addition to cleanings, we also offer:
- Dental X-rays
- Extractions
- Oral surgery (tumors)
- Orthodontia for misplaced teeth
- Gingivectomies (severe gum disease)
- Jawbone splinting (fracture repair)
Pet Dental Care at Home
You can practice effective pet dentistry right at home. Ensure you are watching for any signs of gum disease and other oral problems.
We can also show you how to brush your pet’s teeth at home, which we highly recommend. However, we recognize this may not be possible for all pet owners, and so we do carry a variety of foods, treats and other products that will help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. Brush up on your pet’s dental health—make an appointment for an exam or cleaning today!
Check us out on Facebook!
Request Appointment