Pet Dental Cleaning and Disease Prevention
Did you know that dental disease is the most common disease occurring in adult dogs and cats? For both dogs and cats, routine teeth cleaning is essential. At-home cleanings are always helpful, but treatment to properly remove plaque and tartar can only be performed by a trained veterinarian.
Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria in your pet’s mouth combines with food particles trapped beneath the gum line. Plaque forms, and over time, bonds with minerals in the saliva to form tartar, the hard build-up you can see covering your dog or cat’s teeth. Additionally, the bacteria can lead to an inflammation of the gums known as gingivitis. Periodontal disease is progressive and must be treated on a regular basis to prevent long-term damage. Aside from bad breath and tooth loss, periodontal disease can make chewing food painful, and in extreme cases, lead to dental abscesses and other health issues.
A professional veterinary dental cleaning is the only way to properly remove tartar from the teeth and under the gum tissue. Periodontal disease is not reversible, but diligent at-home dental care and regular cleanings at Companion Care Veterinary Clinic can significantly slow down the progression of the disease.
What is a Veterinary Dental Cleaning?
General anesthesia will be administered during your pet’s dental cleaning. It is used to keep your pet free of pain and anxiety during the procedure. During the cleaning procedure, also known as a prophylaxis, any plaque and tartar present in your pet’s mouth are professionally removed using our state-of-the-art dental equipment. Our veterinary team will assess the health of the entire mouth, including the tongue, gums, lips, and teeth as well.
How Do I Know if My Pet Needs a Dental Cleaning?
Regular inspection of your pet’s mouth is important to catch dental disease in the early stages. Tartar may appear as a hard, brown or dark yellow buildup on the teeth, close to the gum line. Redness or bleeding along the gum line may indicate gingivitis. Other signs of dental disease include:
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Dropping food.
- Loose or missing teeth
If you notice any of these signs in your pet, please schedule an appointment.
How Can I Keep My Pet’s Teeth Clean at Home?
Establishing a daily brushing routine for your pet is 95% effective at preventing periodontal disease. Starting early is key, as tartar begins to adhere to teeth with 24 hours. Special brushing tools and toothpastes are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit you and your pet’s needs. Treats specially designed to assist with plaque removal may also help. Be sure to ask us what products are best for your dog or cat during your next appointment.
