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, Precious Paws Animal 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.
Symptoms and Treatments of Dental Problems in Pets
Watch your pet to see if he/she displays any signs or symptoms of dental or oral health issues. Notify us about any concerns to remedy the problems before they become worse.
Symptoms of Pet Dental Problems
These are dental symptoms to look out for:
- Plaque and tartar buildup
- Bad breath
- Facial swelling
- Pain when eating or chewing
- Overall mouth discomfort
- Excessive drooling
- Rubbing or pawing at face
Treatments of Pet Dental Problems
Here are some of our treatments for pet dental conditions:
- Full oral health assessment, dental x-rays and evaluation
- Anesthesia and treatment of diseased teeth
- Dental scale and polish
- Pain management
- Homecare for oral health
After a dental exam and diagnostic testing, our veterinarian will work with you on a treatment plan.
Pet Dental Care Services
At Precious Paws Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to providing treatments to not only correct your pet’s dental issues and eliminate the pain but also to prevent reoccurrence. Your pet’s good health is our mission.
We at Precious Paws Animal Hospital in Ocean City, MD, are your veterinarian for pet dental care. Your pet’s medical and dental health can be important to maintaining wellness and avoiding serious health issues.
Contact us! We are here to help. Call us at 410-213-1170 for more information or to schedule your initial oral health assessment.