Just because your pets cannot perform their own oral care doesn’t mean that it’s not needed. Your pet’s dental health is a significant component of their overall wellness which is why it’s essential to make sure they are receiving dental services from your veterinarian. At Bloomfield Animal Hospital in Lakewood, California, we provide comprehensive pet dental services.
Why do pets need dental care?
Pets need dental care for the same reasons that humans need dental care. Your pet’s mouth contains natural bacteria. When these bacteria come together with food particles in the mouth, it causes a buildup of tartar on the teeth. When left untreated, tartar can cause inflammation and infection, increasing your pet’s risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Humans will often notice the signs of tooth decay and gum disease because the symptoms will begin to become bothersome. Unfortunately, our pets can’t tell us something is wrong, which leads to high instances of periodontal disease in dogs and cats.
Taking care of your pet’s teeth
Establishing a good oral hygiene routine with your pet is vital to protect their oral health. Here are a few things you can do:
- Brush their teeth once per day with a Pet-friendly toothpaste
- Provide them with vet-approved treats
- Professional dental cleanings
Professional Dental Cleanings
In addition to an excellent oral hygiene routine at home, dental cleanings from the vet are one of the best ways you can combat gum disease for your pet.
Before starting your dental cleaning, your pet is put under anesthesia to ensure they are calm and relaxed. The vet will then perform a thorough oral exam to evaluate the mouth for signs of disease or other problems. Once that is completed, full mouth dental x-rays are taken. These x-rays allows us to see below the gum line and determine the health of the teeth. Then, we will begin cleaning beneath the gum line where plaque and bacteria thrive by using an ultrasonic scaler. Finally, they will use special tools to scrape any plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and polish them to look fresh and clean.
Committed to your pet’s dental health
At Bloomfield Animal Hospital in Lakewood, CA, we want your pet to live a long and healthy life which is why we emphasize the importance of prevention and dental care. If you’d like to learn more about dental cleanings for your pet, call (562) 383-7788.
