It may sound odd to brush your pets’ teeth or to take them for professional cleanings, but proper dental care can extend their lives. Dr. Jose Arambulo of Bloomfield Animal Hospital in Lakewood, CA, recommends pet dental cleanings to maintain the health of your animal’s mouth.
Periodontal disease in dogs
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, may be silent with no outward signs of a problem. As it develops, it can cause irreversible damage to your pet’s mouth. It is five times more likely to occur in dogs than in humans. When animals eat, plaque forms on the teeth. Dogs have an alkaline mouth, which promotes plaque buildup. Since most pets do not have their teeth brushed daily, bacteria are able to multiply easily.
Symptoms of gum disease
Pets are very good at hiding pain and discomfort, making it difficult for pet owners to know when something is wrong. Once signs of gum disease are noticed, the dog may have been living with chronic pain from advanced stages of the disease. Symptoms include:
- Problems picking up food
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Red, inflamed, or bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Bloody saliva
- Not wanting the head to be touched
The importance of dental cleanings
As with humans, routine dental cleanings help prevent and detect problems. At Bloomfield Animal Hospital, we work with you to develop a home dental plan to promote your pet’s overall health. Beyond that, we may recommend dental cleaning. The examination includes X-rays and checking for signs of gum disease, cavities, or infections. We deep clean to remove plaque and tartar on the teeth and under the gum line. Antibiotic gel may be used if gum disease is detected.
Contact Dr. Arambulo and Bloomfield Animal Hospital. (562) 383-7788
