Pet Dental in Toledo, OH

Pet Dental

When your pet is uncomfortable due to dental disease, they often have a hard time eating and no longer enjoy chewing some of their favorite toys. Overtime, the disease can take a toll on their systemic health and even affect internal organs. At Heatherdowns Veterinary Clinic, we put a strong emphasis on preventive cat and dog teeth cleaning to avoid dental disease altogether.

What Problems Does Dental Disease Cause?

Dental diseases in cats and dogs are similar to those seen in humans. Plaque and tartar build-up on your pet’s teeth can cause tooth discoloration, bad breath, and in time, disease. Some of the more serious problems cats and dogs can face due to dental disease include:

• Gingivitis – Gingivitis refers to the inflammation of the gums which results in red, sometimes bleeding gums. This is caused by tartar build-up below the gumline.
• Periodontal disease – Periodontal disease goes one step further than gingivitis—the bacteria from the tartar begins to break down not just gum tissue, but tooth bone, roots, and even the jawbone.
• Tooth damage and loss – Teeth that have been impacted by tartar buildup are not as strong, and are more prone to breaking, cracking, and falling out.

Preventing Oral Health Problems with Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning

As with any disease, the best way to handle dental issues is to catch them as early as possible. Our animal hospital in Toledo performs dental assessments at every annual wellness exam and will recommend comprehensive teeth cleaning for dogs and cats when needed. We also take time to educate you on teeth cleaning practices at home to further reduce tartar buildup.

Preventive cat and dog teeth cleaning involves:

Professional Teeth Cleaning

At our animal hospital, we’ll assess your pet’s oral health and determine the best method for treating any disease progression. Typically, our professional treatment involves a thorough teeth cleaning under general anesthesia, which allows us to fully evaluate your pet’s dental health. During a cat/dog teeth cleaning procedure, we’ll perform:

• Ultrasonic scaling of each tooth to remove plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gumline
• Polishing of each tooth to smooth the enamel and reduce future buildup
• Tooth extractions (if necessary) to remove damaged teeth
• We’ll also prescribe antibiotics and/or pain medications as needed to fight bacterial infections and reduce discomfort.

At-Home Dental Care

There’s a lot you can do at home to prevent the progression of dental disease including:

• Brushing your pet’s teeth every day with a pet toothbrush, finger brush, or gauze strip, along with pet toothpaste
• Adding dental chews and treats to your pet’s diet
• Using water additives in their water bowl
• Feeding them a prescription dental diet