Keeping with our theme this month of good oral hygiene and dental care for your pets, we decided to write a little bit about the importance of dental cleaning. Before we get to cleaning though, let's quickly cover what leads to tartar build-up and eventually dental disease. The following factors can contribute to dental disease in your dog or cat:

Age: Dental disease becomes more common as your pet get's older
Breed: Some breeds have teeth that are overcrowded making it more difficult to keep teeth and gums clean.
Food: Wet or sticky food can lead to a more rapid buildup of plaque.

If your pet has developed tartar, it's time to consider a dental cleaning. We offer state of the art dental cleanings that include full mouth dental radiographs. If you haven't had your dog or cat in to see a professional for their cleaning, please consider doing so with us. 

Our annual dental cleanings for dogs and cats include:

1. Complete oral exam to identify and periodontal pockets, tooth fractures, oral masses, or other dental issues that should be addressed while under anesthesia.
2. Full mouth digital dental radiographs to identify any issues not visible on oral exam. These may include root abscesses, fractured roots, periodontal pockets, and bone loss. Radiographs ensure we are addressing ALL dental issues even unseen below the gum line to provide complete oral health.
3. Both hand and ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar/plaque both on the teeth and subgingival.
4. Polishing and fluoride treatment.
5. Pocket treatments, extractions, and bone grafting material to encourage bone regrowth at extraction sites- these are dental treatments are performed only done when necessary.
6. Home care options - Once a dental is complete, home care options are discussed to make sure each pet receives the dental care at home that can slow the process of periodontal disease promote overall dental health.

If you suspect that your pet has more serious issues with gingivitis, consult your veterinarian. There are many treatment options centered around diet that can positively impact your pet's dental health.

Make a dental cleaning appointment for your pet today!

Dental disease for dogs is much more common than people usually realize.

In fact, problems usually start with the simple buildup of sticky plaque that hardens to form tartar. If not removed, this can lead to gingivitis, a painful condition of inflamed gums, and eventually periodontal disease (disease of the gums) may develop. When this develops, dogs may lose teeth and be prone to infections that may affect other organs in the body. In fact, research shows that at around the age of 2, over 80% of dogs have some sign of dental disease.

What causes dental disease?
Plaque, a colorless film on your dog's teeth, is the perpetrator of bad breath and gum disease. Because he doesn't brush his teeth like you do, this plaque can cause tartar buildup. The result is swelling, redness and inflammation of the gums - otherwise known as gingivitis. If not checked, your dog can develop periodontal disease, which destroys the gums and tissue that support his teeth.

The condition is serious, but don't worry, dental disease is preventable and treatable in most dogs. Ask your veterinarian for a complete oral checkup for your dog and schedule regular dental cleanings

How can I avoid dental disease for my dog?

The best way to help your dog avoid developing dental disease is to care for them in much the same way you care for yourself. 

1. Feed them a healthy diet (click here to learn more about NUTRITION)

2. Start a home dental care routine

3. Get your dog's professional dental cleaning done yearly