Dental Care
Imagine what it would be like if you never brushed your teeth or visited the dentist. This sticky, painful situation is the unfortunate reality that most dogs and cats live with every day. Although you might not think about caring for your pet’s teeth, their teeth and gums need regular care just like ours.
At Bramalea Animal Hospital, our veterinarians are proud to provide our patients with exceptional pet dental care to help promote the health of their teeth, gums, and bodies.
The Importance of Dental Care for Your Pet
The primary reason why dental care is so essential to the health of your pet is that it is the best way to prevent periodontal disease (gum disease) from developing.
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that occurs when plaque and tartar accumulate along the gum line and create pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria thrive.
These harmful bacteria not only lead to painful dental health problems, but they can also enter the bloodstream where they travel throughout your pet’s body, causing general inflammation and damaging organs. Left unaddressed, periodontal disease can even lead to an early death for dogs and cats.
Signs and Symptoms of Dental Disease in Pets
- Appetite loss
- Dropping food or toys
- Facial Swelling
- Loose teeth or lost teeth
- Persistently bad breath
- Pus between the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Whimpering or other vocalization when eating, drinking, or picking up toys
- Yellow or brown-stained teeth
Professional Dental Services at Bramalea Animal Hospital
At Bramalea Animal Hospital, we provide pets with a variety of dental services including:
- Consultations and examinations
- Dental Products, ie.. tooth brush, mouth rinses, etc
- Cleaning, scaling, and polishing
- Tooth extractions
- Pet parent education
A pet dental appointment is similar to a person’s dental appointment. It includes a thorough examination and a cleaning using tools that are similar to those your own dentist uses.
The main difference is that pet dental appointments occur with pets under general anesthesia for their safety. Prior to your pet’s appointment, we will run a blood test to ensure your pet is healthy enough to undergo general anesthesia.
Caring for Your Pet's Teeth at Home
At home, we recommend brushing your pet’s teeth using a pet-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for dogs or cats.
Additionally, you can provide your pet with dental-friendly chew toys and treats designed to help remove plaque and tartar from the teeth.
Schedule Your Pet's Next Dental Appointment Today
To learn more about pet dentistry or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian, we welcome you to contact us today.
