Pets have dental diseases and problems just like people. Many of these problems can be avoided by bringing your pet to your veterinarian for regular dental check-ups and dental cleanings.

Signs of Dental Problems

• Bad breath – one of the first signs of dental disease
• A yellowish-brown crust of plaque on the teeth near the gum line
• Red and swollen gums
• Pain or bleeding when your pet eats or when the mouth or gums are touched
• Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
• Loose or missing teeth

Does your pet have bad breath or reddened gums?

If so, it could be from gingivitis. Gingivitis occurs when soft plaque hardens into rough, irritating tartar. Tartar build-up on your pet's teeth can cause damage to the teeth and gums.

If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to an infection called periodontal disease . This disease can cause the loss of teeth, increased risk in kidney disease and heart disease.

You can prevent serious dental problems from happening by making sure your pet receives dental exams at the time of each vaccination, again at six months of age, and then annually.

Dental Cleanings

Veterinary dentistry is quite different from the equivalent process in people. For most of us, caring for our teeth and gums has been part of our daily routine for as long as we can remember. Consequently, a person's visit to the dental hygienist is relatively brief and does not require sedation. In contrast, veterinary dentistry is considerably more complex. It requires general anesthesia, a day's hospitalization and the skills of several people, from veterinarians to veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants.

Predental Workup

A predental workup involves laboratory and diagnostic tests to better evaluate a pet's current health status and to assure safe anesthesia. Current medical problems must be evaluated and any possible unknown problems must be identified prior to dentistry. A physical exam will be done to evaluate potential problem areas in the mouth and to have a better understanding of what will be needed during your pet's dental.

A pre-operative blood screening is done 1 week prior to the scheduled dental. All pets will receive a complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry profile. A pre-operative electrocardiogram (EKG) is also available with our senior pre-operative screening. We also offer digital dental x-rays at our Manchester location to view teeth prior to a dental, as well as after a dental is completed.

The Dental

The first part of dental cleaning requires the removal of tartar. Next , a periodontal probe checks for pockets under the gumline where periodontal disease and bad breath starts. A mechanical scaler is used to clean above the gumline while a curette cleans and smoothes the teeth under the gumline in the crevice.

Your pet's teeth are polished , creating a smooth surface. The gums are washed with an anti- bacterial solution to help delay tartar build-up both under the gumline and on the crown of the tooth.

Finally, a fluoride treatment is applied to strengthen your pet's teeth, to desensitize exposed roots, and to decrease infection.

Home prevention

Dental care does not end with a visit to your veterinarian. You need to continue your veterinarian's good work at home. Brushing your pet's teeth is an important part of home dental care . The staff at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital can show you the proper method of brushing your pet's teeth.

Give your pet complete dental care

Annual veterinary dental care and home dental care will help keep your pet's breath fresh and overall mouth healthy. Your pet's smile and healthier life will be equaled by your smile and pride in a job well done.