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Dental Care a
Dental Health
Daily oral healthcare is very important for our pets, as debris solidifies into plaque within just 24 hours. If not removed, it can become calculus, causing gum inflammation, infection at the gum-line, and potentially leading to tooth detachment from the bone, pain, abscesses, and loose teeth. Here at KMAH, we work with our clients to determine which at-home dental care strategies will work best for your pets.
Periodontal Disease
Most pets (dogs and cats) will require veterinary dentals in order to keep their teeth as healthy as possible. These dental procedures are crucial for pets as they utilize tools like ultrasonic scalers and probes, similar to those used in human dentistry, to assess and treat periodontal disease above and below the gum-line. X-rays of the entire mouth are taken during the procedure to identify issues, mirroring practices at a human dental office.
Effects on Heart, Kidneys, and Liver
The infection that causes the deterioration of the teeth and bone eventually moves into the bloodstream, where billions of bacteria must be filtered by the liver and kidneys. Constant clearing of a low-grade infection can result in an overwhelmed, and subsequently weakened, immune system.
Infections in the liver, kidney, and heart can occur secondary to dental disease in our pets, much like they can in people. As our pets age, the damages that these infections cause accumulate, leading to compromised organ function.
Dental Disease Symptoms
If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule an exam. We can determine the problem and address it quickly, improving the prognosis for your loved one.
Signs of dental disease include, but are not limited to:
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Dropping food
- Sudden disinterest in chew toys
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen or painful face
- Pawing at the mouth
- Yellow, broken, loose, or missing teeth
- Gums that are red, swollen, or bleeding
Kennesaw Mountain Animal Hospital’s team of experienced doctors can have your pet back to “smiling.” Let us provide the guidance you need to ensure a long, happy, pain-free life with your beloved pet.
