When was the last time you had your pet’s teeth cleaned? According to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) pets who have never had teeth cleaning have signs of dental disease by the time they are three years old. Emory Veterinary Clinic recommends that all patients have a yearly oral examination. This is a part of every single physical exam that your animal has with our doctors. Dental care recommendations are made specific to every case and patient that comes through our doors.
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
- Pussy or Bloody Drool
- Red Gums
- Staining on the Teeth
- Swollen or Inflamed Gums
- Weight Loss or Loss of Appetite
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.
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.
Dental Procedures at Emory Veterinary Clinic
Veterinary dental cleaning procedures with Emory Veterinary Clinic are always performed under anesthesia and include bloodwork, pain medication, and full anesthetic monitoring through-out the procedure with a registered veterinary technician. This allows us to clean thoroughly, effectively, and painlessly under the gum line, on both sides of the teeth. Each individual tooth is examined for gum disease and root disease with dental radiographs. During the procedure, medically necessary tooth extractions may be performed. To learn more about your pet’s dental disease or the pre-cautions and procedures that will be performed in our care please contact us at 903-473-3101.