What Makes Dental Care Important For Pets?
Dogs and cats are prone to developing periodontal (gum) disease as early as three years old. If left untreated, this dental issue can severely impact your pet's long-term health.
Research has revealed a connection between periodontal disease and heart disease. This is because bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, harm heart function and affect other organs. Moreover, gum erosion, missing or damaged teeth, and oral pain are significant problems that arise from poor oral health.
At-home oral care routines, along with annual dental exam and cleaning at Beloit Veterinary Hospital, can help control plaque and tartar buildup, preventing these issues.
Don't wait until it's too late – bring your dog or cat in for a routine dental visit today.
Dental Surgery at Beloit Veterinary Hospital
Dental surgery may be required for severe oral health issues. We aim to make the process as stress-free for you and your pet as possible.
We offer dental surgeries for dogs and cats, such as tooth extractions and gum disease treatment. We'll do everything possible to ensure your pet's experience with us is comfortable and easy. Before the procedure, we'll explain each step of the process in detail to you, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Like your annual checkups with your dentist, your dog or cat should visit a dentist for an exam at least once yearly. Pets that are more prone to dental issues than others may need to see us more often than that, though.
At Beloit Veterinary Hospital, we can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
Here are some symptoms that indicate the need for a dental exam:
- Bad breath
- Discolored teeth
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Assessment
We will perform a pre-anesthetic physical assessment on your pet before the dental exam.
Our team will also complete blood and urine analyses to ensure your pet can safely undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as X-rays or EKGs, may also be conducted.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth).
- Treatment
We then clean and polish each tooth (including under the gum line), take X-rays, and apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
The final step is to apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is found, our veterinarians will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
- Prevention
We often schedule a checkup a couple of weeks after the dental exams and cleaning. During this visit, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home. We can also recommend products that can help improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of our clients' most frequently asked questions about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
When your pet eats, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up if not brushed away regularly. This buildup can harden in tartar, which is much more difficult to remove.
This can lead to mouth infections, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they may drool excessively (which may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.
You might also notice bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten your pet's lifespan and cause significant pain.
- What happens during a pet's teeth cleaning appointment?
During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine their mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.
Professional dental cleanings involve the following procedures:
- General anesthesia is necessary in all cases for us to do a thorough dental exam and professional cleaning. Your pet will be continuously monitored during and after the procedure for the safest and most comfortable experience.
- A complete dental exam will be performed.
- Ultrasonic and hand scaling to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.
- Polishing to smooth the surface of the teeth after scaling.
- Flushing to remove dislodged tartar, plaque, and bacteria from the mouth.
- If it’s determined that an infected tooth requires extraction or a problem with the gums must be addressed, further oral surgery will be recommended.
During the dental cleaning, your vet will also complete a dental chart outlining the state of your pet's oral health.
- What should I do at home to clean my pet’s teeth between dental appointments?
To help maintain your pet's oral health, brush their teeth regularly and give them dental chew toys at home. These are designed to help eliminate plaque.
Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs do not understand what is happening during dental procedures, so they may struggle or bite.
We use anesthesia during all dental procedures to keep pets comfortable, and to keep everyone safe.