When was the last time you had your pet’s teeth cleaned? According to the AVMA, pets who have never had a teeth cleaning have signs of dental disease by the time they are three years old. For that reason, Kanan Veterinary Hospital recommends that all pets have a yearly dental cleaning and oral examination.
Gum Disease in Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats are prone to developing the same types of dental diseases and problems as humans, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, staining and cavities. The process of dental decay and disease starts every time your pet eats. When your pet eats, food particles get on their teeth and gums. This fuels the bacteria in your pet’s mouth, causing an acid attack on the enamel of their teeth and creating a sticky, clear substance called plaque. If the plaque is left on teeth, it hardens into tartar. When plaque and tartar are left on your pet’s teeth for an extended period of time, it can lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease, cavities and oral infections.
Signs of Dental Disease in Pets
When it comes to detecting potential oral health problems in pets, owners must be vigilant in noticing changes in behavior. This is because pets often do not act like they are in pain until the pain is severe. If you notice any of the signs below, it is important that you contact us to schedule a dental checkup, teeth cleaning and gum disease treatment.
- Broken or Loose Teeth
- Discomfort While Eating
- Extremely Bad Breath
- Drooling
- Red Gums
- Staining on the Teeth
- Swollen or Inflamed Gums
- Weight Loss or Loss of Appetite
The Hazards of Untreated Periodontal Disease in Pets
Untreated periodontal disease in dogs and cats can lead to dangerous infections, like abscesses and blood infections. Advanced dental disease may also affect your pet’s heart, liver and kidneys. In order to avoid these potentially life-threatening conditions, it is important to keep your pet’s teeth clean with a combination of at-home care and regular veterinary teeth cleanings.
Pet Dental Cleanings in Oak Park
Kanan Veterinary Hospital recommends that all dogs and cats receive their first dental checkup shortly after they are weaned and at least once a year for every year of their lives. Pet dental checkups include an examination of your pet’s head, neck, face, ears and mouth in order to check for signs of health problems. Once the basic examination is complete, your veterinarian will completely clean all the plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth and below the gum line. Once your pet’s teeth are clean, we can give you tips and tricks to help you remove food particles and plaque at home between professional pet dental cleanings, like pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes as well as dental chews.
To learn more about our veterinary dental services and how they can protect the health of your pet, call us at (818) 532-7434 today.
PROTECT YOUR PET
DOG OR CAT TEETH CLEANINGS IN OAK PARK, CA
Serving All of Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & More!
As with humans, it’s essential for your dog to have regular teeth cleanings. These will keep their smile bright, their breath fresh, and contribute to their overall health as well! Our experienced and knowledgeable team will make this procedure a breeze. To learn more, call us at 818-532-7434 to schedule an appointment for your pet’s teeth cleaning today!
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, nearly two-thirds of dog owners do not follow the recommended guidelines for their pet’s dental care. For this reason, gum disease is the most common clinical condition in adult dogs - often as early as three years old!
If we don’t take proper care of our dog’s mouths, they can experience plaque build-up which turns into tartar and leads to gum inflammation, bone/soft tissue loss, and gum disease. In addition to tooth loss, a bacterial infection in the mouth can lead to complications of the heart, lung, or kidneys as your dog ages. With regular dental care from our expert team, these diseases are preventable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
During your pet's dental cleaning, plaque and tartar will be removed from the teeth, and the health of the entire mouth will be checked. Your pet will be under anesthesia during this process, so they will be free of pain or discomfort. During anesthesia, a soft plastic tube is inserted into the main airway in the throat to support breathing. The placement of the tube also prevents inhalation of bacteria that are aerosolized during the cleaning.
A professional dental cleaning for your pet has many benefits. In addition to removing visible plaque and tartar, we will also remove bacteria from under the gums. This eliminates potential sources of infection to the mouth and other organs. Dental cleanings also reduce the likelihood of future pain and tooth loss.
We look forward to hearing from you, and we are happy to help with any questions or concerns you might have about your pet’s dental cleaning in Oak Park. Schedule an appointment for a consultation or a cleaning today. Call us at 818-532-7434!
