Dental Examinations
Regular dental examinations allow us to have a close look at the inside of your pet’s mouth to check for overall health as well as screen for a range of potential issues, including tooth problems, gum disease, or other symptoms that could either be a sign of underlying problems or lead to more significant issues down the road.
Pets tend to hide their pain as part of an instinct leftover from their ancestors, so it can be tough to know if your pet is experiencing problems with their oral hygiene. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when eating or when having teeth brushed
- Swelling around the mouth
- Oral abscesses
- Abnormal chewing
- Loose or missing teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Crust build up at the edge of the gums
- Persistent bad or fetid breath
- Excessive drooling
- Weight loss
If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your pet in for a dental examination right away.
Dental Cleanings
After a dental examination, we may recommend a dental cleaning. These cleanings go beyond just helping keep your pet’s teeth clean, they also help improve oral health and prevent serious issues such as gum disease and infections.
Dental cleaning procedures are safe, non-invasive, and relatively painless for healthy pets.
If we find the need to remove teeth (extractions) or perform any other more serious procedures, we’ll always speak to you first and outline the details of what we recommend.
Dental Radiography
Dental radiography allows us to use advanced imaging to see below the gumline, which is often where plaque and gum disease are hiding from the naked eye. After a dental examination or cleaning, we may recommend digital radiography to get a more complete picture of your pet’s oral and dental health.
Radiography is painless, non-invasive, and involves creating a digital image of the inside of your pet’s mouth – particularly below the gumline. X-rays pass through the body to produce photos of inside your pet’s mouth. Have questions? Let us know!
At-Home Dental Care
Just like at-home dental care is critical for us humans, it’s also critical for our pets! Need advice or tips to keep your pet’s teeth clean at home? We can help! From chewable dental solutions, nutrition recommendations, to even brushing your pet’s teeth, we will help guide you and your pet to the best oral health yet!
Prevention is key! It’s much easier to prevent oral diseases and infections than it is to treat them. Visit our online pharmacy for products available to help you and your pet with oral care.