Pet Dental Care

We recommend having your pet’s teeth checked and cleaned at least once a year. Dental care is an important and often overlooked factor in keeping your pet healthy and happy. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by three years of age. Consistent home dental care and routine professional examinations can help prevent problems like bad breath or oral infections.

Periodontal disease is a progressive, gradual destruction of the gums caused by bacteria. This dental disease can be life threatening because dangerous bacteria can enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc in your pet’s internal organs such as the liver, kidney and heart. And while cat and dog dental diseases can be preventable, if current diseases are left untreated they can often lead to larger systemic problems.

During your pet’s physical examination, our doctors will evaluate your pet’s current dental health condition, and should it be determined that a dental prophylaxis (teeth cleaning) is necessary, we can schedule it at that time.

Puppy Teeth Brushing

SIGNS YOUR PET NEEDS DENTAL CARE

There are many different ways to check and see if your pet may be having dental issues, but there are also signs that may not be as visible. This is why veterinarians recommend having your pet’s teeth checked annually. Here are some things to keep an eye (or nose) out for:

Bad Breath

Broken, loose, or missing teeth

Discoloration or tartar build up

Excessive chewing or drooling

Reduced appetite or inability to chew

Swelling and bleeding in or around the mouth

Common Pet Dental Care Questions

Looking At Cats Teeth