Dental Care

Proper dental care is important in keeping your pet healthy and happy. When your pet's teeth aren't clean, "doggy breath" is not the only problem that your cat or dog will face. Periodontal disease—caused by a build-up of bacteria and plaque on your pet's teeth and gums—can lead to more serious bacterial infections that can eventually damage the liver, kidneys, heart and other organs.

Our hospital provides full dental cleanings for your pet, along with tooth extractions and other oral surgery procedures. During a routine dental cleaning, one of our veterinarians examines your pet before anesthesia is administered. Your pet's teeth are then thoroughly examined and scaled, removing all of the tartar and plaque, and then polished. Fluoride is then applied inside the mouth, after which your pet's mouth is rinsed, leaving it fresh and clean.

Dental care at home

Home care is essential to the oral health of your pet and needs to be part of a regular routine. Following a dental cleaning, our veterinarians provide you with instructions on how to care for your pet's teeth at home. Uptown Veterinary Associates recommends the following home care procedures:

• Oral Exams—Look for warning signs of gum disease such as bad breath, red and swollen gums, any plaque or tartar around the gum line and pain or bleeding when you touch the gums or mouth. Any discolored, fractured or missing teeth should also be noted. Should you notice any bumps or masses within or around your pet's mouth, contact your veterinarian.
• Brushing—Brush your pet's teeth at least once a week. There are a number of conventional brushing kits available. The kits generally include a finger brush, a small pet toothbrush and special toothpaste. You should never use human toothpaste, as it is too foamy and requires rinsing. By routinely brushing and massaging your pet's teeth and gums, he should get accustomed to your fingers in and around his mouth. There are also a variety of ways to help your pet enjoy having his teeth brushed. No matter what method you choose, the necessity of brushing your pet's teeth as preventive care cannot be over stated.
• Food Choices—There are special diets and treats designed specifically for general dental hygiene. Consult one of our veterinarians or technicians about special foods or treats that may be appropriate for your pet.

A greater awareness of the dangers of dental disease contributes significantly to the early recognition and prevention of dental problems in pets. Since periodontal disease may ultimately have a serious impact on your pet's well-being, routinely checking your pet's teeth and mouth at home, as well as scheduling regular check-ups with your veterinarian, are very important. Recent advances in veterinary dentistry, combined with the cooperative efforts of pet owners, make caring for your pet's oral health an easy and wise decision.