A healthy mouth means a healthier life so it’s important to get proper pet dental care yearly for your furry friend. At North Central Animal Hospital, we have provided Phoenix residents with pet dental care services for many years. Following are the answers to several questions we frequently receive regarding pet dental care.

What Causes My Pet’s Bad Breath?

If your pet has bad breath, it is likely related to the gums and bad teeth but you should schedule an appointment with our veterinarian to be sure. Conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, and other conditions can also cause bad breath.

What Can Happen if Dental Cleaning is Neglected?

Both tartar and plaque can damage the gums and teeth. Diseases often start with the gums and cause inflammation. The gums then separate from the teeth and create pockets where plaque, bacteria, and tartar build-up. This causes even more damage and will likely lead to tooth loss. Unfortunately, this will affect the whole body as well. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect organs throughout the rest of your pet’s body.

Do Dental Issues Only Affect Older Pets?

Dental disease isn’t just for senior pets. Each pet has individual factors, such as diet, that will play a role in tartar or plaque development.

Can my Pet Experience Oral Pain?

Pets can’t verbalize pain as a human does but animals can feel pain from periodontal diseases. Obvious signs of oral pain include drooling, refusing to eat, or crying out.

What Happens if my Pet Loses a Tooth?

If your pet loses a tooth, check to make sure that the pocket and the other teeth are okay with your veterinarian.

What does Pet Dental Care Look Like?

If your pet has the periodontal disease then our veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics for a few days to reduce the infection. Pets should be anesthetized for a full dental cleaning. Many veterinary care specialists recommend that pets undergo pre-anesthesia blood work to be sure everything is okay with your pet. While your pet is under anesthesia, our veterinarian will scale the teeth, look at the gums, and polish the teeth. The equipment used is similar to what you find in a dental office.

How Do I Care for my Pet’s Teeth at Home?

Use products specially designed for your pet and don’t use human toothpaste since some ingredients are dangerous for animals. Be careful of the treats since gummy treats can be sticky and full of sugar.

Pet Dental Care in Phoenix, AZ

Call North Central Animal Hospital today at (602) 395-9773 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.