Dog and Cat Dental Care

Dental Health Affects Crucial Organs

Imagine not brushing your teeth for at least five years? 

That’s what the situation is for most pets. Just as it is in humans, both plaque and tartar damage the teeth and gums. Understanding that it takes only 24 hours for bacteria to solidify into tartar…thus begins the process of dental disease. The disease starts when the gums become inflamed – red, swollen, and sore. The gums eventually separate from the teeth, creating pockets where more bacteria, plaque, and tartar build-up. This, in turn, causes more damage, and finally tooth and bone loss. Bacteria from these inflamed oral areas will enter the bloodstream and affect major body organs. The liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs are most commonly affected. Antibiotics are used before and after dental cleaning to prevent bacterial spread through the bloodstream.

How do I know if my dog is in need of dental treatment?

Unfortunately, our pets are masters of concealing the pain. In most cases, they have been suffering for months to years and we never even knew. The best way to determine your pet’s dental health is to have dental radiographs performed annually. Just like we humans, two-thirds of our pet’s teeth are under the gum line. On the surface, a tooth can look perfectly fine, but underneath could be a completely different story. Cracked roots, pockets, abscessed teeth, infection, bone loss, root loss, etc., you know the “drill”.

A Dental Radiograph can pinpoint exactly what needs to be done. We offer discounts for patients that have dental radiographs as it saves time and assists our doctors in determining the plan of action in quick fashion. Thus, the time saved shortens the time your pet will need to remain under anesthesia and the need for additional anesthesia charges.

Without Dental Radiographs these underlying issues could continue until a mass removal of teeth is necessary to give a pet relief. An owner that has been through this will attest their pet was a completely different pet after the procedure. As it is in humans, pain can be debilitating and cause our pets to not act normal. And of course, good dental health adds years to their life, as without it, the infection can spread to the vital organs and eventually lead to death.