Dog and Cat Dental Care
Wouldn’t it be nice if your pet could brush their teeth themselves? Of course that’s not possible, so it is important for you to maintain their dental health for them. We recommend that all pets have a dental exam at least once a year so we can determine if a cleaning is necessary. We also recommend that you brush your pet’s teeth from home. This combination of professional pet dental care and at-home dental care can help lower or even eliminate the risk of gum disease.
For your pet’s safety, we perform all dental services under anesthesia, and we monitor vital signs before, during, and after each procedure.
Signs of gum disease and Why Your Pet Needs a Dental Exam
Gum disease in pets is very similar to gum disease in humans, including the way it begins. Plaque becomes tartar (calculus), and tartar can work its way down to the gum line. If left untreated, the bacteria below the gum line can eventually affect the heart, liver, and kidneys, putting a pet’s overall health and life at risk.
Knowing what signs to look for can help you be more proactive about your pet’s dental health. The following is a list of some of the most common signs that are associated with gum disease in pets:
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen gums or gum sensitivity
- Difficulty eating or loss of appetite
- Yellow/brown plaque accumulation on teeth, near gum line
- Excessive drooling or pawing at mouth
- Dropping food while eating (could indicate oral pain)
- Change in behavior (sleeping more often, reluctant to play with chew toys)
Scheduling a Teeth Cleaning
Ready to schedule your pet’s dental visit at our animal hospital?
Give us a call at 865-690-6481 or use our online appointment request form.
Our Pet Teeth Cleaning Services
Prevention is the #1 priority with our comprehensive pet dental services here in West Knoxville, but we can also treat oral problems, if necessary. Our dental suite is equipped with advanced tools and technology as well as monitoring equipment, which allows us to deliver high-quality dental care.
Our dental services include:
- Ultrasonic scaling and polishing
- Anesthesia
- Pre-anesthetic blood work (to check for underlying health issues)
- Digital X-rays (to view below the gum line, where most dental problems are found)
- Periodontal care
- Extractions
At-Home Dental Care
After your pet’s dental cleaning, we’ll be happy to provide you with at-home dental care recommendations, including brushing tips and product suggestions.
The first rule of at-home pet dental care is to start your pet on a routine as early as possible. Puppies and kittens can adjust to daily dental treatments quickly, making it easier for them and for you!
Brushing your pet’s teeth is the best treatment to implement because it prevents plaque and bacteria buildup and reduces the potential for dental disease. If brushing proves difficult, there are other options available, from oral wipes and dental chews to rinses and tartar control diets.
There are various products available that are designed to prevent tartar buildup for pets, such as chews and toys.
