Dental Care
One of the cornerstones of good health in both people and pets is active dental care. Village Veterinary Hospital supplies pet dental services including dental exams, cleaning and polishing, and tooth extractions.
Dental issues seen in people are similar to those we see in pets. Imagine how painful your mouth and teeth would feel if you never brushed your teeth or never had them cared for by a dentist. Periodontal, or dental disease, is extremely common in pets. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, most dogs and cats exhibit some degree of periodontal disease by three years of age.
Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in the mouth begin to collect around the teeth and gums and begin to harden, forming plaque and tartar. These bacteria begin to cover portions of the teeth and spread beneath the gum line, where more damage can occur. Without regular dental care at home and a veterinarian, teeth begin to decay, gums become infected, and damage can even be done to the liver, kidneys, and heart.
Our approach to pet dental care starts with regular dental cleanings and exams when your pets are young to prevent the formation of dental disorders. During our examination, we look for signs of disease such as fractured teeth, worn areas of enamel due to chewing, plaque, tartar, inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), abnormal growths or masses of the gums or mouth, tooth discoloration, infected teeth, and more. We will then determine if further treatment is necessary.
We recommend regular dental checkups and cleanings at least every 1 to 2 years in most cases. Some pets, however, require more frequent cleanings. Our veterinarian and caring staff will teach you how to care for your pet’s teeth in between cleanings including brushing their teeth and supplying them with oral hygiene chews. Regular brushing combined with a proper diet and supplements can greatly decrease your pet’s risk for dental disease. Remember that prevention of periodontal disease is less expensive and more effective than treatment later in your dog or cat’s life.
If you notice your pet having the following signs of dental disease, please call and schedule an appointment so that we may evaluate the condition as soon as possible.
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Broken or loose teeth
- Gum recession and/or gum swelling
- Pain in or around the mouth
- Pawing at the face or mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Swelling of the face
- Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
- Weight loss
Village Veterinary Hospital provides dental health care services and screenings to pets in Folsom, Franklinton, Robert, Angie, the Lee Road area in Covington and beyond.