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Pet Dentistry in Mancelona, MI

When was the last time you had your pet’s teeth cleaned? According to the AVMA, pets who have never had a teeth cleaning have signs of dental disease by the time they are three years old. For that reason, Mancelona Veterinary Hospital recommends that all pets have a yearly dental cleaning and oral examination.

Clean Your Pet’s Teeth

Preventative care is better (and cheaper) than solving a problem after the fact. Dental disease can be the predecessor to a host of other issues. Take action and learn more about your pet’s dental cleanings below.

Pet’s Teeth

When was the last time you had your pet’s teeth cleaned? According to the AVMA, pets who have never had a teeth cleaning have signs of dental disease by the time they are three years old. For that reason, Mancelona Veterinary Hospital recommends that all pets have a yearly oral examination and dental cleaning.

Gum Disease in Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats are prone to developing the same types of dental diseases and problems as humans, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, staining, and cavities. The process of dental decay and disease starts every time your pet eats. When your pet eats, food particles get on their teeth and gums. This fuels the bacteria in your pet’s mouth, causing an acid attack on the enamel of their teeth and creating a sticky, clear substance called plaque. If the plaque is left on teeth, it hardens into tartar. When plaque and tartar are left on your pet’s teeth for an extended period of time, it can lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease, cavities, and oral infections.

Signs of Dental Disease in Pets

When it comes to detecting potential oral health problems in pets, owners must be vigilant in noticing changes in behavior. This is because pets often do not act like they are in pain until the pain is severe. If you notice any of the signs below, it is important that you contact us to schedule a dental checkup and teeth cleaning.

  • Broken or Loose Teeth
  • Discomfort While Eating
  • Extremely Bad Breath
  • Bloody Drool or Pus
  • Red Gums
  • Staining on the Teeth
  • Swollen or Inflamed Gums
  • Weight Loss or Loss of Appetite

The Hazards of Untreated Periodontal Disease in Pets

Untreated periodontal disease in dogs and cats can lead to dangerous infections, like abscesses and blood infections. Advanced dental disease may also affect your pet’s heart, liver, and kidneys. In order to avoid these potentially life-threatening conditions, it is important to keep your pet’s teeth clean with a combination of at-home care and regular veterinary teeth cleanings.

Mancelona Veterinary Hospital recommends that all dogs and cats receive their first dental checkup shortly after they are weaned and at least once a year for every year of their lives. Pet dental checkups include examining your pet’s head, neck, face, ears, and mouth to check for signs of health problems. Once the basic examination is complete, a dental cleaning will be scheduled. At that appointment, our licensed veterinary technician will completely clean all the plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth and below the gum line. After the cleaning, our doctor will remove any problematic teeth to keep your pet healthy and comfortable. Once your pet’s teeth are clean, we can give you tips and tricks to help you remove food particles and plaque at home between professional pet dental cleanings, like pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, as well as dental chews.

To learn more about our veterinary dental services and how they can protect your pet’s health, call us at (231)-587-0520 today.