Pet Dental Care
Dental hygiene is an important part of your pet's health. The most common dental condition affecting dogs and cats is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth. The disease is caused by bacteria present in plaque and calculus (tartar). Periodontal disease begins when plaque and calculus build up on your pet's teeth, especially below the gumline. Bad breath is often the first noticeable symptom of the disease. Eventually, if left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and infection.
Improper care of your pet's teeth can cause more serious illnesses. Bacteria associated with periodontal disease can be released into the bloodstream, damaging the kidneys, heart and liver, causing life-threatening problems.
Most of your pet's dental problems can be avoided by bringing him or her to Oxford Animal Hospital for regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings. Oxford Animal Hospital uses Pro-Image digital dental x-ray equipment - just like the equipment found at your dentist's office. With digital dental radiology, we can assess diseased teeth, locate damaged teeth below the gumline and assess oral tumors.
Some signs of dental problems include:
- Bad breath - one of the first signs of dental disease
- A yellowish-brown crust of plaque on the teeth near the gum line
- Red and swollen gums
- Pain or bleeding when your pet eats or when the mouth or gums are touched
- Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
- Loose or missing teeth
Your Pet's Dental Cleaning
Your pet's veterinary dental cleaning is much different than the process you undergo each year. Veterinary dentistry is considerably more involved, time-consuming and complex. Cleaning a pet's teeth requires general anesthesia, and consequently a day of hospitalization. The skills of several people, from veterinarians to veterinary technicians and animal attendants are required for each dental procedure.
At Oxford Animal Hospital your pet's dental cleaning begins with a physical examination. This examination is important for evaluating your pet's general health. After the physical exam, your pet is given an anesthetic for safe and painless sleep and relaxation during the dental cleaning.
The first part of dental cleaning requires the removal of tartar. This is done with a hand scaler. Next, an ultrasonic scaler is used to clean above the gumline while a curette cleans and smoothes the teeth under the gumline in the crevices. Then your pet's teeth are polished and the gums are washed with an anti-bacterial solution to help delay tartar build-up.
Cleaning Your Pet's Teeth At Home
Dental care does not end with a visit to your veterinarian. Brushing your pet's teeth is an important part of home dental care. Ask any member of the Oxford Animal Hospital staff to show you the proper method of brushing your pet's teeth.