Veterinary Dentistry for Your Pet
Regular dental care does more than just keep your pet's breath fresh and clean.
Dental hygiene is an important part of your pet's health and can often be the cause of serious illness. If left untreated, dental problems can lead to larger systemic issues in your pet due to oral bacteria entering the blood stream and damaging the kidneys, heart and liver.
In fact, it is estimated that more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop tooth and gum disease by the age of three years. However, dental disease and its serious consequences can be avoided by bringing your pet to your veterinarian for regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings. At Palatine Animal Hospital, these include ultrasonic teeth cleanings and dental X-rays, which can prevent or uncover dental issues before they become a health threat. Should we find a problem, we are more than able to provide dental work.
It is also important for you to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of dental problems, which include:
- 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
Prevention: The Best Medicine
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. We also have several products to help you with your home dental care.
Any member of the Palatine Animal Hospital team can show you the proper method of brushing your pet's teeth as well as how to properly use any of our dental products.