The Importance of Pet Dentistry

Proper pet dentistry is vital to the health of their mouth and their overall physical health. Poor dental care can lead to many problems for your pet, including bad breath and even tooth loss, which can inhibit their ability to eat and play.

Gum disease is also a problem associated with poor oral hygiene in pets, leading to damage to the gum tissue and the other supporting structures of the teeth. This type of disease will start with plaque buildup, which, if not removed, will harden into tartar and may travel below the gum line leading to inflammation and permanent gum damage.

Poor dental hygiene can also lead to more serious complications for your pet, such as pain that can come from an oral infection and even damage to organs if bacteria enter their bloodstream through their mouth. This spread is known as bacteremia and can lead to heart, liver, and kidney damage in your pet.

Symptoms of Dental Disease in Pets

Oral disease, when untreated, can cause many problems for your pet, such as:

  • pain
  • tooth decay
  • kidney and liver problems
  • bad breath
  • tartar build-up
  • difficulty eating
  • loss of appetite
  • swollen or bleeding gums
  • loose or missing teeth
Pet Dentistry in Deltona, FL

Pet Dentistry Services at Deltona Vet

We perform dental services such as cleaning, extractions, and surgery.

These procedures require your pet to be sedated; therefore, we will perform pre-surgical laboratory tests to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to undergo these procedures. Also, because bacteria can be released into the bloodstream, we will need to start your pet on antibiotics approximately two days prior to the dental procedure.

It is critical that your pet has an empty stomach; therefore, do not feed after 10:00 p.m. the night before the procedure. Your pet may have water through the night, but NO food or water in the morning.

Dental procedures require that your pet spend the entire day with us. They may come in between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and will be ready to go home at approximately 5:00 p.m.

At Home Pet Dentistry

Tooth Brushing

While recommended dental cleanings and exams with your veterinarian are some of the best ways to protect your pet’s oral health, there are ways to help maintain your pet’s dental health in-between visits to prevent major oral health concerns. Try to brush your pet’s teeth at least three times a week, though daily brushing is ideal for removing plaque buildup.

Dental Treats & Chew Toys

For in-between brushings, you can reward your pet with dental treats, which will help them eliminate plaque buildup and improve their breath. In addition to dental treats, you should encourage your pets to use chew toys to keep their teeth strong and assist in the cleaning process.

Learn more about the importance of at-home pet dental care here.

Most importantly, it is essential to keep regular veterinary checkups and talk to your vet if your pet is showing any signs of dental problems. Contact us today to schedule a dental check-up for your pet!