February is Dental Health Month

Here are some frequently asked questions we receive from clients about our Dental Cleaning services:

How Do I Know If My Pet Needs a Dental Cleaning?

Start by regularly checking your pet's mouth for tartar, which may appear as a brownish-yellow buildup on the teeth, close to the gumline. Just like with humans, redness or bleeding along the gum line may indicate gingivitis. Either condition would mean that your pet would benefit from a dental cleaning.

 What Is a Pet Dental Cleaning?

During a thorough veterinary dental cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed from their teeth, and the rest of the mouth including the tongue, gums, lips, and teeth is examined. To make sure your pet will not feel any pain during the procedure general anesthesia is required.

During anesthesia, a soft plastic tube called a tracheal tube is inserted into your pet's main airway to support their breathing. The tracheal tube also keeps your pet from inhaling bacteria that are aerosolized during dental cleaning.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Cleaning?

A professional dental cleaning will remove the visible plaque and tartar on the surface of your pet's teeth and also the bacteria that can be found under the gums which are all potential sources of infection to the mouth as well as other organs. Dental cleanings also reduce the likelihood of pain and future tooth loss and keeps your pet's breath smelling fresher!

At Gilmer Animal Clinic we're excited to answer any questions or concerns you might have about dental cleaning and exams for your pet. Call today to schedule an appointment for a consultation or same-day cleaning.

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Regular Professional Cleaning

A healthy mouth and clean teeth can lead to a longer, healthier life for your pet. Taking care of your pets' teeth at home helps avoid serious dental disease, but cats and dogs need periodic professional cleaning just like you do. At Gilmer Animal Clinic we take care to provide a safe, thorough, and professional cleaning similar to the one you get at your dentist’s office.

Dental Disease

Periodontal disease is a progressive infection of the gums surrounding the teeth. If left untreated it can lead to halitosis, oral infections, and bacterial infections that can enter the bloodstream and cause damage to many major organs. As part of your annual visit we will conduct an oral examination to ensure that your pet's teeth are healthy and disease-free.

Oral ATP (Assessment, Treatment, Planning)

• Scaling & Polishing
  To remove plaque and calculus from your pet's teeth we use similar instruments to those your dentist uses. After cleaning, the enamel surfaces of your pet's teeth are polished to remove scratches in the enamel.
• Fluoride/Sealants
  We'll apply an anti-plaque treatment, such as a fluoride to help strengthen and desensitize your pet's teeth as well as help prevent plaque build-up.
• Home Dental Care
  Your pet relies on you to help maintain their dental health through regular teeth brushing which will help fight plaque build-up. A sample with toothpaste and a finger brush is included in your take-home care package.

Additional Resources

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951515 

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951294