Pet Dental Care
Dental Care for Your Pet
Dental hygiene is an important part of your pet's preventative health plan. Dental problems, if left untreated, can often lead to larger systemic problems in your pet due to oral bacteria entering the blood stream and damaging the kidneys, heart and liver.
In fact, it is estimated that more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop tooth and gum disease by the age of three years. However, dental disease and its serious consequences can be avoided by bringing your pet to your veterinarian for regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings.
Because dental care is an important part of preventative care, Eastside Veterinary Associates offers a full range of dental services that start with a thorough exam and cleaning within our deluxe dental unit.
Unlike many other veterinary hospitals, our routine dental exams include sub-gingival cleaning and ultrasonic scaling while your pet is under anesthesia. This means we are able to remove plaque and tartar that accumulates below the gum-line, which are the primary cause of peritonitis as well as tooth and/or bone loss.
We are also one of a very few veterinary practices to offer computer-enhanced digital dental X-rays. What this means for you and your pet is that we are able to see below the gum line in order to identify tooth and bone loss that otherwise could be missed by visual examination alone.
If we find an issue with your pet's dental health, we will discuss the nature of the issue and treatment options. We are able to perform some dentistry such as tooth extractions, but will refer you to a dental specialist for more complicated procedures.
Home Dental Care
Dental care does not end with a visit to your veterinarian. You need to continue your veterinarian's good work at home. Brushing your pet's teeth is an important part of home dental care. Any member of the Eastside Veterinary Associates staff can show you the proper method of brushing your pet's teeth.
We also will help you learn to identify the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, which include:
- Bad breath - one of the first signs of dental disease
- A yellowish-brown crust of plaque on the teeth near the gum line
- Red and swollen gums
- Pain or bleeding when your pet eats or when the mouth or gums are touched
- Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
- Loose or missing teeth