Dental Health
Protect your pet's teeth and overall health with preventive care.
The Silent Threat to Your Pet's Health
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, a staggering 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. In fact, gum disease is the number one diagnosed health issue in adult pets. Left untreated, bacteria from infected gums can leak directly into your pet's bloodstream. Over time, this chronic stress on their immune system can damage vital organs, leading to heart, lung, kidney, and liver complications. The good news? It is entirely preventable.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth. Initially, it starts as a bacterial film called plaque that attaches to the teeth. When the bacteria die, they become calcified by calcium in saliva and form a hard substance called tartar or calculus. Without dental cleaning, plaque can lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, causing them to bleed easily.
How to Spot the Signs
Halitosis (bad breath)
Reluctance to chew or crying out when chewing
Increased salivation
Bleeding gums
Tartar/Calculus (hard coating on teeth that is usually brown or yellow)
Missing or loose teeth
Prevention & Care at Home
Gentle Tooth Brushing
Brush your pet's teeth with a soft finger-brush. Never use human toothpaste, as it contains ingredients that can make pets incredibly sick. Always use a specially formulated, pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste.
Pet Oral Rinses
If your pet resists the toothbrush, dental rinses and sprays can be applied directly to their teeth to help dissolve plaque and fight bacteria.
Dental Diets & Smart Chews
Specially textured kibble and dental chews can mechanically scrape plaque away as your pet bites.
A quick safety tip: Avoid feeding your dog real bones, which frequently fracture teeth and cause severe digestive emergencies.
Veterinary Cleanings
Just like us, pets need professional care to clean below the gumline where toothbrushes can't reach. To do this thoroughly and pain-free, we perform dental cleanings under safe, fully monitored general anesthesia.
Give Your Pet a Healthier Smile
Let's design a customized, preventive dental care plan for your companion. Reach out to our friendly team to get started!