Teeth Cleaning for Pets
Pet Dental Health Month is in February and was created by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Their purpose is to highlight how important oral health is to overall health, happiness and wellbeing of your pet.
You are probably aware of how important it is for you to have regular dental cleanings, but did you know your pet’s mouth needs similar care? Without regular oral care your pet could suffer from plaque and tartar build up that could lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth extractions or, in some cases, the infection of the bloodstream and major organs. At Whitworth Animal Clinic, we can assess what regular care is best for your pet, as well as assess if professional cleaning is needed. Professional pet dental care is one of our many areas of expertise, and the professional cleanings we provide will help keep your pet at his or her optimal health.
You and I understand the need to care for your pet’s teeth, but your pet does not. If a cleaning is necessary, we will ensure your pet’s safety and comfort with anesthesia. We will conduct the necessary blood work required to assess if the anesthesia is safe for your pet. During the cleaning, Dr. Whitworth and his staff will safely remove any plaque and tartar accumulations using dental scalers. Following the scaling, the teeth with be polished. This aids in removing any plaque left behind, as well as smoothing the tooth. The smoother the tooth, the less likely plaque and tartar will be able to stick to it. Once cleaned, Dr. Whitworth will inspect further for any more oral problems that need to be remedied. As a final step, a substance to prevent the buildup of plaque will be applied.
Pet Dental Health
Whether or not a professional cleaning is necessary, the staff at Whitworth Animal Clinic can help you determine the best at-home oral hygiene routine for your pet. We will teach you how to identify problems through checking the mouth for malodorous breath and inspecting the gums. There are also other preventative steps you can take at home, such as brushing the teeth, adding remedies to the water, and using certain foods.
January is National Pet Dental Health Month, which makes it a great time to call our office and schedule an appointment for professional pet dental care. Your pet’s oral health is key to its good health, so please let us help you keep your loved one as healthy as can be.
