Pet dental care is easy to overlook even when you are doing your best to care for your pet's needs. If your pet has not had a dental exam or cleaning in the last year, it is likely time to schedule an appointment. At Sherwood Family Pet Clinic, we offer the testing and treatment your pet needs to maintain its oral health. Here are the answers to a few common questions about pet dental care.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
During a dental cleaning, your pet will be placed under anesthesia. This allows your pet to be relaxed during the procedure. First, dental x-rays (radiographs) are taken of the whole mouth. Then, our veterinarians evaluate your pet's teeth to create a personalized treatment plan. Our veterinary hygienists scale the teeth, removing the tartar from the surface of the tooth as well as under the gumline. The final steps are to polish the teeth and apply fluoride treatment.
If diseased or damaged teeth are found, the pet benefits from specialized care to help preserve the teeth or dental extractions if the tooth damage is advanced. Pain relief and antibiotics are sent home after the procedure as appropriate.
Why Do Pets Need Dental Cleanings?
Pets benefit from dental care because it prevents pain and future complications. Pets are good at hiding pain, and you may not realize that your pet's mouth is uncomfortable. Pets usually continue to eat even when their teeth are loose and painful. Dental cleanings remove tartar and resolve gingivitis which prevents future tooth loss from periodontal disease. So regular cleanings prevent dental pain and discomfort in your pet.
What Can You Do at Home to Promote Dental Health?
A home dental care routine does wonders for your pet by slowing tartar buildup and decreasing gingivitis. You can brush your pet's teeth with a toothbrush and pet toothpaste. Train your pet to accept the brushing routine by gradually introducing touching of the face, then lifting of the lips, then brushing. (This is easier to do with dogs than with cats.) Dental treats for cats and dental chews for dogs are also helpful. Select products recommended by the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council). Practice home dental care for your pets 4-7 times a week. Bones and other hard items are to be avoided as they break teeth.
Visit Us for Dental Care for Your Animal in Sherwood
Our veterinarians can provide professional dental care for your pet, whether oral exam, dental cleanings, or more advanced dental care. If you are looking for a vet in Sherwood, contact our clinic to schedule your pet's next exam or to learn more about how we can help.