Dental exams and cleanings should be a routine part of your pet’s health care. Dental disease is the number one illness seen by veterinarians in patients. To treat and prevent dental disease your pet’s teeth should be brushed every day and they should have professional dental cleanings that require anesthesia. Cleaning your pet’s teeth should start very early to get them accustomed to the practice. With dental cleanings, our team will remove buildup from the teeth and below the gum line, polish the enamel, and disinfect their mouth. Dental products like pet-safe toothbrushes, flavoured toothpaste and dental chews are just some of the items we provide at our hospitals or online. We are experts at caring for your pet’s mouth and we welcome you to call us at 613-829-0220 or 613-843-1334 to book an appointment.
What does dental disease look like in pets?
Dental disease is what happens when your pet’s oral health is neglected. Unbeknownst to many pet parents, bad breath is not normal in pets and is a sign of dental disease. Other signs of poor dental health include:
- Excessive drooling
- Loose or broken teeth
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Yellow/ brown buildup on teeth
- Changes in chewing or eating habits
How does my pet develop dental disease?
Dental disease is formed over time in pets. Your pet develops the disease when their teeth aren’t brushed daily or cleaned professionally. Each time your pet eats, leftover food particles in their mouth mix with saliva and bacteria to form plaque. Plaque is a thin film that covers their teeth and if it isn’t brushed away it hardens into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and it breaks down the gum tissue which can result in tooth decay or tooth loss.
When is oral surgery necessary?
Oral surgeries are recommended to improve your pet’s quality of life. At our hospitals, we are experienced in performing dental surgeries on pets. Our veterinarians follow strict protocols during every procedure. Surgery may be needed due to injury or to repair or reduce the effects of dental disease. Pets need oral surgery to repair or remove broken or rotten teeth, repair oral defects, remove oral tumours and repair jaw fractures.
