The Importance of Dental Care for Pets
Dental hygiene is often overlooked in pets. Over half of the pets that we see have notable dental disease. Taking care of your animal’s teeth helps keep them healthy and prevents future pain or disease.
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Dental Examinations
Routine dental examinations are important to ensure the health of your pet. Coldwater Animal Hospital will evaluate your pet’s dental condition by looking inside their mouths and examining their gums, cheeks, and teeth. We look for signs of decay or any indications of disease. If treatment is needed, we provide general anesthesia for your pet to help them feel more comfortable and relaxed. Extractions may be necessary if the damage to the teeth is beyond repair and removal of the tooth will help relieve pain for your pet. If left untreated, bacteria from excessive plaque or tartar can lead to diseases in the kidney, liver, heart, or immune system of your animal. Our veterinarians polish the teeth and perform necessary treatments and extractions. Some treatments we offer are laser therapy, antibiotics, periodontal treatments, and analgesia. We also teach you and encourage you to brush your pet’s teeth regularly on your own.
Digital Dental Radiology
Veterinary dental radiology, or x-ray, is vital for diagnosis, treatment planning, follow-up evaluation, and legal medical record information for a pet’s dental health. Without quality radiographs, the veterinary dentist would be treating pet patients while only guessing at the diagnosis and quality of treatment.
Dental Cleanings
Regular cleanings can be very effective at preventing disease and decay in your animal’s teeth. Cleanings help remove plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth. This can prevent the accumulation of bacteria that has the potential to cause diseases in your animal. We recommend regular dental cleanings for your animal to help prevent any future issues with your pet’s teeth.
At-Home Dental Care
Taking care of your pet’s teeth at home is vital to maintaining the health of your pet’s teeth. Brushing your animal’s teeth will help prevent buildup of plaque and bacteria. It also gives you a chance to assess your pet for any concerns regarding their teeth. If your pet is not a fan of this process, there are other options available that can help you keep up with your animal’s dental hygiene. These include dental toys or snacks that are designed to remove plaque and clean teeth, or even dental rinses.
