Preventing Problems Before They Start
The health of your pet’s teeth and mouth is very important to the well-being of the entire body, and while routine brushing at home is necessary to keep your pet’s smile looking its best, visiting your veterinarian for a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning is essential.
By routinely seeing your veterinarian for exams and cleanings, you can:
· Prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath
· Save money by avoiding costly and extensive dental procedures
· Keep your pet’s teeth white by reducing staining from food
· Prevent problems with the heart, liver and kidneys
The Dentistry Exam
During your pet’s dentistry exam, your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet’s teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease and other health problems. Your veterinarian will use X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your pet’s teeth and gums. Our X-rays are digital and the images provided will help your veterinarian discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.
Professional Cleanings
Your pet’s dental technician will begin your pet’s cleaning by exploring the surface of the teeth to determine if there are any extreme areas of tartar build up. The dental technician will then perform a periodontal exam to make sure the gums adhere tightly to the teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss may be occurring. Any abnormalities will be charted by the technician and fully assessed by the veterinarian.
Next, your technician will carefully clean your pet’s teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from the teeth. Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if you have any anxiety about your pet’s dental exam, be sure to let your veterinarian know. If your veterinarian or technician finds tooth decay or gum disease, they will talk to you about changing your at home dental care. In severe cases, they may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your pet’s teeth and gums appear to be healthy, your dental team will probably recommend that you continue at home dental care as usual.