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Why Is Cat and Dog Dental Care Important?
Pet dental care is crucial for maintaining your pet’s overall health and well-being. Poor dental hygiene can lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar, which can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. These dental issues can be painful for your pet and can also lead to more serious health problems such as heart, liver, and kidney disease.
Regular dental cleanings and check-ups can help prevent these issues and keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy.
How Often Should You Schedule a Pet Dental Cleaning?
The frequency of dental cleanings for your pet will depend on their age, breed, and overall oral health. In general, it’s recommended to schedule a dental cleaning at least once a year for most pets. However, some pets may require more frequent cleanings, especially if they are prone to dental problems.
Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats
It’s important to keep an eye out for signs of dental disease in your pet. Some common signs include:
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
- Red or swollen gums
- Difficulty eating
- Pain when eating
- Loose, cracked, or missing teeth
- Pawing at the face and mouth
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to schedule your pet for a dental check-up.
Cat and Dog Dental Cleanings in Shawnee
Now that we understand the importance of pet dental cleaning, let’s look at the steps involved in the process.
Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork
Before the dental cleaning, our veterinary team will perform bloodwork to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the procedure. This is especially important for older pets or those with underlying health conditions.
Anesthesia
To ensure your pet is comfortable and safe during the cleaning, they will be placed under anesthesia. This allows our team to examine and thoroughly clean your pet’s teeth and gums without causing them any stress or discomfort.
Oral Exam
Once your pet is under anesthesia, our veterinarian will perform a thorough oral exam. This includes checking for any signs of dental disease, such as plaque, tartar, or gum inflammation. They will also look for any loose or damaged teeth that may need to be extracted.
Scaling
Using specific tools, our veterinary team will remove any plaque and tartar buildup from your pet’s teeth. This is an important step in preventing dental disease and maintaining your pet’s oral health.
Polishing
After scaling, our veterinary team will polish your pet’s teeth to remove any remaining plaque and smooth the surface of the teeth. This helps prevent plaque from building up again quickly.
Fluoride Treatment
To strengthen your pet’s teeth and protect against future plaque buildup, our veterinary team may apply a fluoride treatment. This is especially beneficial for pets with weak or damaged teeth.
Post-Procedure Care
Once the dental cleaning is complete, your pet will be monitored as they wake up from anesthesia. Our veterinarian may also prescribe pain medication or antibiotics if necessary. It’s important to follow any post-procedure care instructions provided by our veterinarian to ensure your pet’s full recovery.
Why Is Anesthesia Necessary for Cat and Dog Dentals?
Some pet owners may be hesitant about putting their pet under anesthesia for a dental cleaning. However, it is necessary for thorough and safe cleaning. Anesthesia allows our veterinary team to clean below the gum line and perform any necessary procedures without causing discomfort to your pet. It also ensures that your pet remains still and does not accidentally injure themselves during the cleaning.
It’s crucial to highlight that contemporary anesthesia is highly safe, with minimal risk of complications when administered by our skilled veterinarians. The advantages of maintaining a clean and healthy mouth significantly outweigh any potential risks associated with anesthesia.
How to Keep Your Pet's Teeth Clean at Home
While regular dental cleanings at the vet are important, there are also steps you can take at home to keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy.
- Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth – Pets can benefit from regular teeth brushing. You can use a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to gently brush your pet’s teeth a few times a week. It’s important to start this routine when your pet is young, so they become accustomed to it.
- Dental Chews and Toys – There are also dental chews and toys available that can help keep your pet’s teeth clean. These products are designed to help remove plaque and tartar buildup while your pet chews and plays.
- Water Additives – There are also water additives available that can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. These additives can be added to your pet’s water bowl and can help keep their teeth clean and breath fresh.
Find an Oklahoma Veterinary Dentist Near You
Finding a cat or dog dentist near you in Shawnee is easy with our online direct booking feature. Both new and existing clients seeking care from a pet dentist may schedule an appointment at our Shawnee vet clinic.
