Pet Dental Care FAQs

If your pet has bad breath, it is likely related to the gums and bad teeth but you should schedule an appointment with our veterinarian to be sure. Conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, and other conditions can also cause bad breath.

Both tartar and plaque can damage the gums and teeth. Diseases often start with the gums and cause inflammation. The gums then separate from the teeth and create pockets where plaque, bacteria, and tartar build-up. This causes even more damage and will likely lead to tooth loss. Unfortunately, this will affect the whole body as well. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect organs throughout the rest of your pet’s body.

Dental disease isn’t just for senior pets. Each pet has individual factors, such as diet, that will play a role in tartar or plaque development.

Pets can’t verbalize pain as a human does but animals can feel pain from periodontal diseases. Obvious signs of oral pain include drooling, refusing to eat, or crying out.

If your pet loses a tooth, check to make sure that the pocket and the other teeth are okay with your veterinarian.

If your pet has the periodontal disease then our veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics for a few days to reduce the infection. Pets should be anesthetized for a full dental cleaning. Many veterinary care specialists recommend that pets undergo pre-anesthesia blood work to be sure everything is okay with your pet. While your pet is under anesthesia, our veterinarian will scale the teeth, look at the gums, and polish the teeth. The equipment used is similar to what you find in a dental office.

Use products specially designed for your pet and don’t use human toothpaste since some ingredients are dangerous for animals. Be careful of the treats since gummy treats can be sticky and full of sugar.