Dental Care

Oral health is as essential to a pet as it is to humans. Many of the same afflictions humans suffer can happen to your dog or cat. Periodontal disease, for example, is quite common, as tartar and plaque build-up tend to sit on a pet’s teeth for a long time before someone takes notice.

Additionally, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to different organs, which can cause serious harm. Regular dental veterinary care and observation can protect your pet from lasting damage.

At Northlake Animal Hospital, we believe that our time is best spent on prevention so that your pet can avoid health issues in the first place. Our comprehensive exams include thorough oral examinations and full-mouth digital dental X-rays. We can handle simple and complex veterinary dental procedures with or without anesthesia.

Prevention is always the best treatment. We recommend that your pet receive two oral examinations every year. That way, we can note any changes to your pet’s oral health and provide early treatment for conditions before they worsen.

We’ve all heard of ‘dog breath,’ but there’s a difference between an everyday scent and a sign of gum disease. If you notice a strange and unfamiliar scent coming from your dog’s mouth, don’t assume it’s normal. Other signs of periodontal disease include:

• Discoloration (i.e., a yellow/brown crust of plaque on the teeth near the gum line)
• Red or swollen gums
• Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
• Drooling
• Loose or missing teeth
• Pawing at the mouth
• Pain or bleeding (i.e., when eating or when the mouth or gums are touched)

Some people think waiting for the symptoms to subside or worsen before visiting the vet is good, but it’s quite the opposite. Dental conditions can quickly worsen, so if you think your pet has dental disease, you should schedule a consultation immediately. Once you visit, we can determine if they need an anesthetic or non-anesthetic cleaning.

Whether or not your pet needs anesthesia depends on the progression of a given dental disease. Non-anesthetic methods are best used for preventive care, especially in older patients. Anesthetic dental cleanings, on the other hand, are best suited for cases of advanced dental disease as they might require a more thorough procedure.

Cats are quite susceptible to several dental diseases, such as stomatitis or feline oral resorptive lesions (FORL), so routine care is critical. In cases of FORL, for example, we can only diagnose the progression using radiographs. By bringing your cat twice a year for regular exams, we can keep an eye on any dental disease and treat your pet right when needed.

An early start is the key to maintaining a lifetime of excellent oral health. Brushing your pet’s teeth from when they are a pup will teach them to accept or even like the process. To maintain healthy teeth, you should brush their teeth at least three times a week.

Caring for your pet’s teeth at home is now easier than ever. You can choose a toothpaste flavor they might enjoy, making them less likely to be fussy during brushing. After regular brushing for a few weeks, they will grow accustomed to the treatment and might even welcome their regular brushing.

Northlake Animal Hospital always puts pets first. We offer a wide range of dental veterinary products, including specialized diets, toothpaste, toothbrushes, chews, and more. If your pet needs professional dental care, we also offer many services to keep your pet’s teeth in top shape. Contact us today to experience the difference at Northlake Animal Hospital!