Blue Cross Animal Hospital

Why do Dogs and Cats Need Dentistry?

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have oral disease by the age of 2. Every meal leads to plaque being deposited on teeth. If plaque is not brushed off or removed by the scraping action of dental diets, it will have minerals deposited on it and become tartar.

Tartar is that nasty hard brown buildup on teeth, usually around the gum line and on the back teeth. Eventually, the tartar will lift the gum line exposing the deep structures of the tooth. Bacteria can then invade and destroy the tooth root. The tooth will loosen and eventually fall out.

Some signs of dental disease are bad breath, reluctance to chew food, and swollen or bleeding gums.

Click Here for a More Detailed List of Signs: Does My Pet Need Dental Treatment?

Left untreated dental disease will cause pain for your pet. As well, bacteria can get out of the mouth and into the bloodstream through the damaged root structures. These bacteria can settle out in the heart, liver, and kidneys and cause severe disease. Pets that get regular dental care may live up to two years longer.

Regular veterinary exams and prevention measures can help to help prevent dental disease.

Start with a Dental Exam for Your Dog or Cat

We will do a thorough visual examination of your dog or cat’s mouth and teeth. If we find that your pet already has dental disease we can recommend a full cleaning, X-ray, and evaluation of the teeth. Cleaning, evaluation and any needed extractions will be done here at Blue Cross Animal Hospital.

Pet Dental Treatment at Blue Cross Animal Hospital

We have the full suite of necessary equipment and facilities to complete your dog or cat’s dental treatment, including a separate dental treatment room, and a Digital Dental X-ray.

Click Here to Read More About Digital Dental X-ray

Prevention

Once the teeth are cleaned we can start a prevention program to improve your pet’s health. These measures include special dental chewing diets, chew toys and brushing your dog or cat’s teeth. It’s very important that any home brushing program start with a dental exam and if necessary, cleaning and any needed extractions. Attempting to start on a home care program with a pet who is already experiencing mouth discomfort may turn them off dental care for life.

Click here to get our eBooklet: Your Pet's Home Dental Care