Dentistry

Without daily care, dental plaque can build up on your pet’s teeth. As the plaque hardens, additional material adheres to the teeth. This leads to gingivitis and the loss of gum tissue and supporting ligaments and bone. These tissues easily become infected, leading to abscesses, osteomyelitis and heart disease.

The most important step in preventing dental disease is daily brushing with a good quality toothpaste made for pets. This step requires only a few minutes daily. Some treats and toys help to keep teeth clean. Your veterinarian can advise you which products are best. In addition, some diets help to maintain healthy teeth.
If your dog or cat has a noticeable amount of tartar build-up, a dental prophylaxis is recommended to remove the tartar and prevent further damage to the teeth and gums. This procedure is performed under a general anesthetic, and involves scaling, polishing, examination of teeth and gums, and extractions when deterioration of the tooth and surrounding tissues is advanced. Once the teeth are cleaned, a daily care program should be started to maintain oral health.