Dental Care
Pets can develop dental disease and other dental problems, just like you. Many of these problems can be avoided by taking your pet to your veterinarian for regular dental check-ups and giving your pet dental care at home.
If your pet has bad breath or reddened gums, it could be from gingivitis. The process starts when soft plaque hardens into rough tartar. Tartar irritates and inflames the gums, a condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis, in turn, can lead to an infection called periodontal disease, which can cause bleeding gums, loss of teeth, and infection in the heart or kidneys if left untreated. It also makes it painful to eat; therefore, your pet could lose weight or even become anorexic.
Because it is necessary to use anesthesia while cleaning your pet's teeth, the process begins with a physical exam. Your pet's general health must be evaluated before anesthesia is administered to ensure that he is not put at risk. Your veterinarian may also recommend pre-anesthetic blood work and other testing to confirm that your pet is at low risk for complications of anesthesia.
During a dental cleaning, a periodontal probe is used to check for pockets underneath the gum line where the disease starts. Large pieces of tarter are removed with an ultrasonic scaler, and a hand scaler is used to remove tartar from crevices and underneath the gum line. Your pet's teeth are then polished. The gums are also washed with an antibacterial solution to help delay tartar build-up both above and below the gum line. Your pet may also receive a fluoride treatment to strengthen his teeth and to desensitize exposed roots.
Dental care does not end with a visit to your veterinarian. Consult with them on how to take care of your pet's teeth at home.