The Best Pet Dental Care
Oral Health Leads to Overall Health
Pets have dental diseases and problems just like humans do. Regular veterinary dental check-ups at PineHills Veterinary Hospital, combined with good dental hygiene at home, can increase your pet's health, vitality and well-being.
If left untreated, dental disease can not only be painful and inhibit proper nutrition, but it can also lead to serious systemic issues that may threaten your pet's overall health before symptoms are noticeable. For those reasons, the veterinary team strongly considers dental care as an important piece of your dog's or cat's preventive health care program.
Protecting Your Pet's Dental Health
The veterinary team at PineHills Veterinary Hospital believes that the centerpiece of good dental care is a complete oral exam followed by a thorough cleaning designed to remove plaque and slow its buildup.
Your pet's dental appointment includes:
- Comprehensive oral health exams and treatment plans
- Diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease
- Digital prophylaxis
- Surgical extractions
- Oravet application
- Polishing
- Basic oral surgery
Should we find any issues—such as evidence of gum or tooth erosion, gingivitis or excessive plaque buildup—we will discuss them with you and offer treatment options for your pet. We are experienced dental practitioners, and are capable of offering a number of dental procedures and oral surgeries at an affordable cost.
In Between Cleanings: Dental Care at Home
You can prevent serious dental problems by making sure your pet receives dental exams at the time of each vaccination, again at 6 months of age, and then annually. In between visits to PineHills Veterinary Hospital, check your pet's teeth regularly for signs of problems. Brushing your pet's teeth is the single most important procedure you can do to maintain excellent oral health. If performed regularly, brushing dramatically decreases the incidence of gingivitis and can increase the interval between teeth cleaning appointments.
If you are unsure of how to brush your pet's teeth, please ask a staff member for instructions.
Signs of Pet Dental Problems
Symptoms of dental disease 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
If your pet is experiencing any of the above symptoms or for more information on the hospital's pet dental services, please call PineHills Veterinary Hospital today at (910) 975-2405.
