Dental Care
Periodontal disease is one of the most common - and most preventable - diseases in pets. If your pet has bad breath, inflamed gums or tartar build-up on the teeth, he or she may be at risk for periodontal disease. Quickly treating periodontal disease is important - if left untreated, bacteria from plaque build-up can enter the bloodstream and potentially damage the kidneys, liver and other organs. Regular dental care can have an impact on your pet's overall health.
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How Dental Cleanings Work
While your pet's dental cleaning is similar in many respects to the same procedure you undergo at the dentist's office, it is also very different. Before the cleaning begins, we perform a physical examination of your pet and conduct a number of blood tests in order to develop a safe anesthetic protocol for your pet. Anesthesia is necessary to keep your pet still and comfortable during the dental cleaning.
During the cleaning, tartar is removed from your pet's teeth using a hand scaler. Next, a periodontal probe checks for pockets under the gumline - where periodontal disease and bad breath usually start. An ultrasonic scaler is used to clean above the gumline and a curette is used to clean and smooth the teeth under the gumline in the crevice. Your pet's teeth are then polished, creating a smooth surface. The final step involves washing your pet's teeth with an anti-bacterial solution to delay tartar build-up.
Home Care
Caring for your pet's teeth at home is an important part of your pet's overall dental health. Brushing your pet's teeth at home helps ensure your pet's teeth, gums and mouth remain healthy between routine cleanings. It may sound difficult, but brushing your cat or dog's teeth is a simple process - and an excellent way to bond with your pet. The veterinary technicians at Eola Point Animal Hospital can show you how best to care for your pet's teeth at home.