Our dedicated veterinarians provide outstanding pet dental services aimed at treating and preventing dental issues.
Have you considered your pet's dental health lately? The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that most pets exhibit signs of dental disease by the age of three. That's why, at Veterinary Care Center, we strongly advocate for annual dental cleanings and oral examinations for all pets. If it's been a while since your pet's last dental checkup, feel free to reach out to us at 636-537-9960. Your pet's oral health is a crucial aspect of their overall well-being, and we're here to ensure they receive the best care possible.
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 & chewing
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen gums or bleeding
- Staining or buildup on the teeth
- Swollen face , painful mouth & face
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
The Hazards of Untreated Periodontal Disease in Pets
Neglecting the treatment of periodontal disease in dogs and cats poses significant hazards, ranging from tooth loss and abscesses to potentially life-threatening infections. Advanced dental disease can extend its impact to vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. To mitigate these risks, maintaining your pet's dental health requires a proactive approach. Combining at-home care with regular veterinary teeth cleanings is essential to safeguard your pet from the potential complications of untreated periodontal disease. Prioritizing your pet's oral well-being not only preserves their teeth but also plays a crucial role in ensuring their overall health and longevity
Pet Dental Cleaning Procedures
Your pet’s dental cleaning is very similar to what you and I may experience when we go to the dentist. First, we will start with an oral exam, where our veterinarian will assess your pets’ overall oral health and determine any oral concerns. Our veterinarian will then review a treatment plan with you about what procedures will be needed for your pet. A preanesthetic blood test is done prior to the procedure to ensure that your pet is healthy for the dental cleaning procedure.
During the procedure, full digital radiographs will be taken of your pet’s mouth and teeth to look for concerns above and below the gum line. Then your pet’s teeth will be cleaned by use of ultra-sound scaling on all surfaces of their teeth to remove plaque and tarter buildup. After scaling, the teeth are polished to remove microscopic scratches and slow the rate of subsequent plaque build-up. Lastly, we use cold-laser therapy over the gums to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Our team will also go over at home oral care to help keep your pet’s smile looking its best after their cleaning! We recommend brushing your pet’s teeth daily with pet friendly toothpaste. Dental chews and oral rinses can be used together with brushing to help keep your pet’s mouth healthy!
