Terra Linda Veterinary Hospital Animal Dentistry
Your pets need regular dental care as much as you do!  As part of the annual examination by Dr. Martha Davis, your pet's mouth will be checked and recommendations for follow up care will be given.  Usually a routine dental cleaning is all that is needed.

YOUR PET WILL BENEFIT TREMENDOUSLY FROM OUR DENTAL CARE

Please read about our anesthesia protocol here

ORAL HEALTH

By the age of three more than half of all dogs and cats are beginning to show signs of a dental problem.  This information is provided by your veterinarian to help you understand oral health and give your pet the best home care.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Plaque is at the root of most dental problems in pets.  Plaque is a colorless film that contains large amounts of bacteria.  Left untreated plaque hardens into a substance called tartar that forms along the base of the tooth near the gum line.  this process causes inflammation of the gums and a resulting condition known as gingivitis.  as the inflammation progresses it destroys gums and tissues that support the teeth, leading to tooth loss.

Infection associated with periodontal disease can be responsible for bad breath, and bacteria can enter a pet's bloodstream and spread to vital organs such as the heart, liver or kidneys.

Preventive oral care throughout your pet's life can reduce the formation of plaque and tartar which can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Contributing Factors

Poor Oral Hygiene - Disregarding the condition of your pet's oral health can eventually lead to periodontal disease and even tooth loss.

Breed - Overcrowded or misaligned teeth that can result in periodontal disease are more often a problem for smaller breeds of dogs.  Certain cat breeds such as Abyssinian and Somali are more likely to develop periodontal disease.

Age - Periodontal disease is more common as pets get older.

Signs of Periodontal Disease

  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding gums
  • Dribbling saliva
  • Tooth loss
  • Subdued behavior
  • Buildup of yellow-brown tartar
  • Pain when eating or pawing at the mouth
  • Change of chewing or eating habits

Maintaining Oral Health

Just like you, your pet needs dental care, too - regular professional care from your veterinarian as well as care at home from you.

Visit your Veterinarian

As part of a routine physical your veterinarian will inspect your pet's mouth.  If periodontal disease is found your veterinarian may recommend dental scaling and polishing to remove plaque and tartar from teeth, as well as dental treatment.

Start an Oral Care Routine at Home

Plaque should be removed from your pet's teeth every day.  Brushing your pet's teeth can accomplish this, as will nutrition designed for oral care.

Regular Dental Checkups Your veterinarian needs to monitor the progress of your pet's preventive program so regular dental checkups are essential.

Home Care

  • Feed only the food recommended by your veterinarian

  • Don't allow your pet to chew on hard objects.  This is the most common cause of broken teeth in pets.

  • If possible brush your pet's teeth regularly.  Ask your veterinarian to show you how.

Information about how you can easily provide care for your pets' teeth can be found here

 

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