Pet Dental Care FAQ’s

Dental problems are mostly preventable, but other existing conditions can sometimes complicate treatment. Some pets could have root or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. Bone softening from subluxations or occlusions can cause a loss of sensation in and around the mouth and lead to emergency vet services. The best way to avoid dental issues from occurring in your pets is by making sure he or she has an annual teeth cleaning.

When you visit our clinic for your pet’s dental cleaning, our veterinarians will use ultrasonic dental equipment (similar to what your personal dentist uses) to remove tartar and plaque build-up from your pet’s teeth. After a thorough cleaning, we use a pet friendly polishing paste on all tooth surfaces. Finally, a product called Oravet Gel is applied along the gumline. This is a barrier sealant that helps prevent bacteria from getting lodged under the gums. During the cleaning our veterinarians will perform a complete dental exam to ensure your pet does not have any infected or broken teeth. Dental x-rays are taken to help us identify developing or existing conditions under the gumline that may need to be addressed. They also provide an important baseline of information.

Proper — and regular — dental hygiene can help your pet avoid having chronic bad breath. It will also keep your pet free of potential dental health issues such as difficulty chewing hard food, bleeding and/or inflamed gums, broken teeth, loose teeth, mouth ulcers, oral/nasal fistulas, sub-gingival bone loss or recession, and more. More severe cases of dental disease may potentially compromise the proper functioning of major organ systems.

We realize that not all pets love having their teeth brushed, and many owners are reluctant to take on this task on a regular basis. Fortunately we have several easy-to-use dental products to help maintain your pet’s good oral health.