Surgery
Dental Care
How can you tell if your pet is in need of a dental cleaning? Here are a few signs to look for while examining your pet's mouth:If your pet has any of these signs, he/she may be in need of a professional dental cleaning.
A dental cleaning is performed by a veterinary technician and supervised by a veterinarian. It involves a thorough inspection of the mouth, ultrasonic scaling of the teeth above and below the gum line to remove tartar, and polishing to complete the process. If there are any teeth that are loose or broken, they may need to be extracted. If left untreated, serious problems such as gingivitis, tooth root abscesses, or septicemia (blood poisoning) can result.
Smaller dogs seem to be more prone to developing tartar faster, so they may need dental cleanings more often. Brushing the teeth at home can help lengthen the time between cleanings. It is always best to start brushing your pet's teeth when he/she is young to get your pet used to the feeling. However, it is never too late to start. There are many different types of toothpaste available at one of our veterinary hospitals or at your local pet store. Feel free to ask one of our team members for more information regarding brushing techniques for your pet.
Whether you have a cat, small dog, or large dog, you should schedule an exam with one of our veterinarians to determing if your pet is a candidate for a dental cleaning.
