The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups For San Antonio Pets

Tooth trouble can be the root cause of other health problems in pets, which is why pet dental care is a critical aspect of any pet’s overall wellness plan. At Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, we want pet families to understand why protecting pets against dental disease should be a top priority, so we’re here with a primer on the importance of ongoing pet dental care.

How Common is Dental Disease in Pets?

Statistics from the American Veterinary Dental Association estimate that up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop some degree of dental disease by the time they’re 3 years old. 

Without routine pet teeth cleaning, dental disease will become painful and lead to infection and tooth loss. What’s worse, the infection can spread through the pet’s bloodstream, and cause changes in heart, liver, and kidney function.

Pet Dental Treatment at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital

We examine your pet’s teeth and gums at every wellness visit to check for outward signs of dental disease, such as bleeding gums, loose or missing teeth, and unusual lumps or bumps. This visual examination helps our veterinarian determine your pet’s recommended schedule for professional pet teeth cleanings under general anesthesia. 

During a professional pet dental treatment, our veterinarian will thoroughly clean and scale every tooth, take digital X-rays of your pet’s mouth, and perform extractions if needed. General anesthesia is necessary to protect your pet from pain and anxiety and to enable comprehensive pet dental treatment.

Pet Teeth Cleaning at Home

Dental treats and chew toys designed to clean the teeth and stimulate gums might remove debris from the surface of the teeth, but they are no substitute for professional pet dental care and pet teeth cleaning at home. 

When coupled with veterinary pet dental care, the following pet teeth cleaning tactics can be used at home to help further prevent dental disease:

• Brush your cat’s or dog’s teeth every day (or a few times a week) using a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for pets. We are happy to demonstrate pet teeth cleaning techniques during any visit.
• Serve your pet a dental health diet designed to minimize trapped food particles.
• Offer dental treats and chews as advised by your veterinarian.
• Use a dental additive in your pet’s water.

Signs of Dental Disease
Despite diligent pet dental care, problems can still arise. Please contact us if you spot these symptoms between visits:

• Missing or loose teeth
• Persistent foul breath
• Chewing on one side
• A reluctance to eat
• Bleeding gums
• Swelling in or around the mouth
• Excessive pawing at the mouth

Professional pet dental care and pet teeth cleaning at home can dramatically impact the quality of life of any companion pet. Please contact us at (210) 681-1391 if you have concerns about your pet’s dental health or to schedule a visit.