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KEEP YOUR PET SMILING

WITH PROPER ORAL HYGENE & PET DENTAL CARE!

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Oral health is perhaps one of the most-overlooked aspects of your pet’s care. Bad breath, infections, abscesses, and lost or damaged teeth are some of the consequences of a lack of good dental hygiene. Long-term bacterial infections in the mouth can lead directly to problems with the kidneys, digestive tract, and heart. Every pet’s oral care needs differ depending on a long list of health factors, and the Animal Hospital by the Sea is happy to consult with you to determine what care is most appropriate for your pet. If we find the need for some attention in your pet’s mouth we may recommend the following:

AT-HOME DENTAL CARE

Brushing your pet’s teeth and/or using recommended oral care products and treats can help to slow the accumulation of tartar and plaque on your pet’s teeth. The Veterinary Oral Health Council has a list of approved diets, treats, and oral rinses that may help with this task. The Animal Hospital by the Sea will help you develop the best at-home care protocol for your pet, including a demonstration on how to brush your pet’s teeth.

REGULARLY SCHEDULED DENTAL EXAMS

Prevention is the best course of action when it comes to your pet’s dental care. It is another reason why it is so important to schedule regular visits to ensure your pet receives routine examination of teeth, gums, and mouth as part of an annual wellness exam.

HAND SCALING

Sometimes minor staining and tartar buildup can be addressed by hand scaling with or without mild sedation. Whether or not your pet is a candidate for this type of procedure depends on the degree of dental disease present and your pet’s cooperative nature.

DENTISTRY UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA

It can be difficult to thoroughly evaluate or work on the full mouth in an awake animal or adequately clean under the gum line and on all sides of the teeth. Therefore, routine dentistry under general anesthesia is recommended for the majority of our patients. During this type of dental procedure, each individual tooth is assessed, scaled above and below the gum line with the use of an ultrasonic scaler, and then polished to minimize the future build up of plaque. After review of their condition, any diseased or broken teeth may then be extracted.

REFERRAL DENTAL PROCEDURES

Sometimes the extent or nature of a dental problem requires more advanced procedures such as root canals or gingival surgery. In these situations, we are fortunate to be able to refer your pet to a pet dental specialist. The Shoreline Veterinary Dental Clinic is a nearby referral facility for specialized pet dental needs.

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