We love to clean teeth! Stinky pet breath can be the result of much more than stinky dog or cat food. How often do you pull back your pet’s lips to look at the amount of tartar built up on his or her molar teeth? Are you checking the gum line for evidence of inflammation? Probably not too often. Many pet owners are unaware of just how dirty their furry family member’s mouth can get. It can serve as a source of general infection, not to mention oral pain when ignored for too long. We highly recommend scheduling a complimentary dental exam with one of our doctors or trained technicians…yes, complimentary. Chances are your pet may need a routine dental prophylaxis (dental cleaning) or more complex dental services.
Dental cleanings are an important part of keeping your pet healthy. For most pets, it is a necessity to prevent dental disease. This is recommended yearly or every 2-3 years in pets that have good in-home care and proper diet. Unfortunately, often times we see pets for dental care when dental disease is already present. Just as in treating any other disease or injury, dental treatment requires a higher level of skill and knowledge, increased time, additional procedures and medications than if just preventive dental care is required.
Please be aware, dogs and cats are placed under general anesthesia for dental cleanings. Non-anesthetic cleanings are not recommended. Without anesthesia, we cannot clean below the gum line and assess for periodontal disease. In addition, the lungs can inhale the small bits of tartar and bacteria without an endotracheal tube placed in the windpipe. Not to mention the whizzing noise of the polisher at the end of the procedure can be quite off-putting to our furry patients.
We are aware of the concern pet parents have about general anesthesia, especially for older patients that may be in most need of dental care. Mature and geriatric patients that are otherwise healthy are able to tolerate anesthesia quite well. We take anesthesia seriously, no matter how ‘routine’ the procedure. Pre-anesthetic blood work and personalized patient monitoring are measures taken to keep our patients safe. Older pets are more likely to have severe periodontal disease. Taking care of their gums and teeth is one of the best ways to extend their lifespan.
Keep watch for the dental specials we run throughout the year. Hint: February is National Pet Dental Health Month. We also offer special discounts to our clients that schedule yearly dental cleanings. Regular cleanings usually result in healthier mouths and less time to perform the procedure, which in turn saves us time and our clients’ money. Call us at (918) 609-6111 if any questions or to schedule that complimentary dental exam.
Family Animal Medicine
(918) 609-6111
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