Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning in Cincinnati, OH
Do you brush your teeth daily and visit your dentist annually for a deep down clean? Did you know that pets benefit similarly to dental care and it can preserve their pearly canines well into their golden years? While pets do not typically develop cavities like we do, they can experience the degenerative effects of gum disease. In fact, many pets are already showing the signs of gum disease by three years old. If the condition is left to progress, it can cause tooth and jawbone loss among putting them at risk of organ infection. Luckily, a solid at-home care plan and routine cat & dog teeth cleaning from our Cincinnati veterinarian can entirely prevent gum disease. Call us at (513) 531-7117 to make an appointment.
Ways to Keep Your Pet's Mouth Healthy
If you've ever tried to simply look inside your pet's mouth, you might have an idea of how difficult it can be to brush their teeth. Though there are ways to acclimate your pet to having their teeth brushed, such as treat rewards and starting young, there are many other at-home pet dental products. Look for tartar control chews, treats, and food in addition to water additives and oral sprays endorsed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. While no special product can completely substitute brushing, many can make a big impact on your pet's oral health. We carry many at-home products at our hospital as well and we're more than happy to demonstrate their use.
As important as at-home pet dental care is, regular professional pet teeth cleaning can fully prevent dental disease. When you bring your pet in for their annual or biannual exam, depending on your pet's age and health, we fully inspect their oral cavity for plaque and tartar. If they are showing signs of tartar build-up and gum inflammation, we recommend a complete cleaning. Some pets may already be experiencing the effects of gum disease. In that case, we may recommend biannual pet teeth cleaning to treat gum disease and prevent any decay from further spreading. Ask us for more information or to make an appointment for your four-legged friend.
When Your Pet Might Need to Be Seen Right Away
Due to natural instinct, pets are expert at hiding pain and illness. Though behavioral changes in your pet may be subtle, there are some signs you can stay aware of as a loving pet owner. As gum disease progresses, harmful bacteria attacks the entire surrounding structure of teeth, including tissue, making the condition painful but also one that can make your pet very ill. The signs of gum disease include:
- Frequent drooling and excessive saliva
- Gums that are bright red
- Missing, loose, or broken teeth
- Yellow or brown teeth
- Putrid breath
- Swelling around the mouth
- Pawing or rubbing their mouth
- Problems chewing including dropping food
