Dental Care

Don’t Forget That Healthy Smile! 

Veterinary dental care is a crucial part of a preventative healthcare plan. High-quality dental care is necessary to ensure your pet’s optimal health and quality of life. Oral diseases are painful and can lead to other local or systemic health issues. If left untreated, dental infections can spread to the heart, kidneys, and other organs, becoming life-threatening.

While regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining your pet’s dental health, several signs may indicate that dental disease has already begun:

• Red, swollen gums and brownish teeth
• Bad breath—although most pets have less-than-fresh breath, a truly foul odor, similar to rotten eggs, indicates periodontal disease
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Frequent pawing or rubbing at the face and mouth
• Reluctance to eat hard foods, often picking them up and then spitting them out

Dental X-Rays: A Vital Part of Your Pet’s Health

Dental x-rays are an essential component of comprehensive veterinary dental care. They allow our veterinarians to see below the gum line and identify problems that are not visible during a regular dental exam. This includes issues like tooth root abscesses, bone loss, and hidden decay. By using dental x-rays, we can diagnose and treat dental diseases early, preventing pain and more serious health issues for your pet.

How Important Are Regular Dog and Cat Dental Cleanings?

Regular dental cleanings are vital for maintaining the health of your pets. Pets should have their teeth professionally cleaned annually to manage tartar buildup, and some may even require cleanings every six months. Tartar attracts bacteria and causes the gums to recede from the teeth, leading to inflammation, damage to teeth and gums, and even infection that can spread to the bloodstream and affect internal organs. Professional cleanings are the only way to remove tartar effectively, as brushing alone cannot eliminate it.

Will My Pet Be Uncomfortable During a Teeth Cleaning?

Typically, pets do not experience discomfort during dental cleanings. At Ayers Animal Hospital, we use anesthesia for both dog and cat cleanings, adhering to the same strict anesthetic protocols as we do for surgeries. This ensures your pet is safe, comfortable, and continuously monitored throughout the procedure. While your pet’s mouth may feel slightly sore for a few hours afterward, this discomfort is temporary and far less severe than the pain and risks associated with periodontal disease.

Will Anesthesia Be Used to Clean My Pet’s Teeth?

Yes. Even the calmest pets can unexpectedly move their heads during a dental exam, which is particularly dangerous when using sharp dental instruments to remove tartar. Anesthesia allows us to perform a safe and thorough cleaning while also identifying and addressing any emerging issues before they become severe. Additionally, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) mandates that all animals be sedated and intubated for dental cleanings.

What Can I Do at Home for My Pet’s Oral Hygiene?

You can begin by brushing your pet’s teeth daily. While this may seem challenging at first, we can guide you in training your pet to enjoy the process and make it a part of their daily routine. Remember, never use human toothpaste on your pet’s teeth, as it is harmful to them; always opt for animal-specific toothpaste. Additionally, feeding your pet crunchy dry food instead of a soft diet can help reduce plaque buildup. We also recommend dental foods and treats designed to combat dental disease bacteria. For advice on starting a daily home dental care routine, feel free to consult our veterinarians or technicians.