Veterinary Dentistry – FAQ’s
I’ve noticed my pet has bad breath, this is normal, right?
Absolutely not, bad breath in pets is not natural. A foul odor from your pet’s mouth is usually due to some underlying medical issue. The most common cause is the accumulation of bacteria that occur when plaque and tartar are not removed from the teeth.
What happens if oral disease is left untreated?
As plaque accumulates and bacteria multiplies, pockets around each tooth deepen and become more painful. The gums begin to swell and redden, they may bleed when touched. This is gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible. Periodontal disease is not reversible. Periodontal disease involves the tissues in the mouth that support the teeth. It occurs when the body’s immune system cannot clear the mouth of the bacteria and toxins, which are constantly forming on the teeth in the form of plaque. If plaque is not removed it will accumulate and harden into dental calculus (tartar), and left untreated it will affect the integrity of the bone that supports the teeth. Some veterinarians feel that most disease in older animals is directly related to low-grade infection associated with periodontal disease. A pet with periodontal disease is circulating bacteria and toxins throughout its body via the blood which can result in liver, kidney, and heart disease. As with humans, good dental health promotes good general health in our pets.
Does dental disease really cause my pet pain?
It certainly does! If you have ever had an abscessed tooth or even severe gingivitis you have experienced the same soreness andpain your pet does. Our pets seem to handle pain more subtly than we do: Maybe they prefer to eat more canned than dry food now; or she paws at her mouth; or maybe he seems to eat a little less or slower than usual. These are all signs your little loved one is experiencing dental pain.
When should my pet have his or her first professional dental cleaning?
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3. By planning the first dental cleaning when your veterinarian first recommends it you can be proactive about your pet’s dental health. Often you can delay or prevent serious dental disease and secondary organ disease later on.
Does your clinic do professional dental cleaning?
Yes, it is an outpatient procedure: your pet is dropped off in the early morning and will be able to go home that evening. Because a dental cleaning requires general anesthesia Dr. Wright requires pre-operative bloodwork and possibly an antibiotic to be started several days before the scheduled procedure. We do full surgical monitoring, including blood pressure during the procedure to ensure your pet’s safety.
 
BEFORE AFTER
 
Preventative Products
 Virbac CET chews: Great for dogs who like to chew! They have a natural antiseptic plus an abrasive texture that works with the dog's chewing action to reduce plaque and loosen tartar. |
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