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Comprehensive Dental Care: Ensuring Your Pet’s Healthy Smile for Life
At Dogwood Trails Animal Hospital, we prioritize your pet’s dental health through comprehensive dentistry services. Our dedicated team offers a range of dental procedures to ensure your furry friend maintains a healthy and radiant smile throughout their life.
The Importance of Pet Dental Services
Pet dental care is an important part of your cat's or dog's oral and overall health, but most pets don't receive the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
At our Bentonville veterinary hospital, we provide comprehensive pet dental services for cats and dogs, including dental exams, teeth cleanings, dental X-rays, and surgeries.
We also teach pet owners how to care for their pet's teeth at home to keep them healthy in between professional visits.
Pet Dentistry Services
Teeth Cleaning and Polishing
Routine dental cleanings are crucial for preventing dental disease. Our skilled professionals perform thorough cleanings to remove plaque and tartar, promoting optimal oral hygiene for your pet.
Tooth Extractions
In cases where dental issues arise, such as severe decay or infection, tooth extractions may be necessary. Our experienced team ensures a gentle and careful approach to preserve your pet’s overall well-being.
Dental X-Ray
To assess dental health comprehensively, we utilize dental X-rays. This diagnostic tool helps identify underlying issues not visible during a regular examination, enabling us to tailor our approach to your pet’s specific needs.
Minor Oral Surgery
For certain dental conditions, minor oral surgery may be recommended. Our skilled veterinarians perform these procedures with precision, ensuring the best possible outcome for your pet’s oral health.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Much like your annual checkup at the dentist, your dog or cat should come in for a dental examination at least once a year. Pets who are more prone to dental problems than others may need to see us more often.
Dogwood Trails Animal Hospital can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup:
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
Pet Dental Exams
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.
We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
Pet Dental Treatment
Next, the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and x-rays are taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
The final step is to apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is found, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
Follow-Up Dental Examination
Ideally, a follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During this visit, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home. We can also recommend products that can help improve your pet's oral health.
At-Home Dental Care
Brush Your Pet's Teeth Regularly
Just like humans, brushing your pet's teeth is the most effective way to remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup. It's recommended to brush your pet's teeth at least three times a week, but daily brushing is ideal.
To brush your pet's teeth, you'll need a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, as it can be toxic to pets. You can find pet toothbrushes and toothpaste at most pet stores or online.
Start by getting your pet used to the toothbrush and toothpaste. Let them sniff and lick the toothpaste to get used to the taste. Then, gently lift their lips and brush their teeth in a circular motion. Be sure to focus on the back teeth, as this is where plaque and tartar tend to build up the most.
If your pet is resistant to brushing, try using a finger brush or a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. And remember to always reward your pet with a treat after brushing to make it a positive experience.
Provide Dental Chews and Toys
In addition to brushing, providing your pet with dental chews and toys can help keep their teeth clean. These products are designed to help remove plaque and tartar buildup while your pet chews and plays.
When choosing dental chews and toys, look for products that have the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval. This seal indicates that the product has been tested and proven to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Add Dental Additives to Your Pet's Water
Dental additives are another way to help keep your pet's teeth clean. These additives are added to your pet's water and help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. They are an excellent option for pets who are resistant to brushing or have difficulty chewing dental chews and toys.
Again, be sure to look for products with the VOHC seal of approval when choosing a dental additive.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
In addition to at-home care, it's essential to schedule regular dental checkups for your pet. We will perform a thorough dental exam and may recommend a professional cleaning if necessary.
It's recommended to schedule a dental checkup at least once a year for most pets. However, some breeds may require more frequent checkups.
