Dr. Whitworth and the Patton Chapel Animal Clinic staff in Hoover, Alabama, believe that oral health goes beyond just preventing bad breath. Up to 85% of pets have some type of dental disease by middle age. In fact, dental disease is one of the main issues that today’s veterinarians treat. Dental diseases can be serious and can even cause complications of the lungs, heart, and brain. Many times, owners do not realize that their pets have dental problems until they become severe and costly to treat. Performed along with annual health exams, dental exams can catch many oral injuries and diseases before they become problematic or painful for your pet.
At Patton Chapel Animal Clinic, a single dental exam can check for:
- Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease (diseases of the oral tissues, such as the gums, jawbone, and ligaments)
- Tooth Fractures
- Discolored Teeth (caused by trauma)
- Persistent Primary Teeth (resistant kitten or puppy teeth)
- Malocclusion (overbite or underbite)
- Feline and Canine Tooth Resorption (loss of tooth)
- Carious Lesions (cavities)
- Oral Foreign Bodies (sticks, rocks, etc.)
- Gingival Hyperplasia (enlarged gums)
- Oral Masses (growths)
- Oronasal Fistula (hole in palate connecting to the nasal sinuses)
- Dentigerous Cyst (unerupted tooth)
- Stomatitis (severe inflammation in the oral cavity of cats)
A few symptoms that may indicate that your pet is in need of veterinary dentistry services include bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, vomiting, swollen or red gums, bleeding gum, tartar, receded gums, and loose or missing teeth. Any of these symptoms may point to a disease or injury in the mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, please call Dr. Whitworth at Patton Chapel Animal Clinic to schedule an appointment to ensure on the health of your pet’s mouth.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings are offered at Patton Chapel Animal Clinic in order to deep clean the teeth and prevent dental disease. A dental tool is used to remove tartar and plaque build up, and to clean under the gum line where bacteria tends to accumulate and periodontal disease begins. Professional cleanings are performed with the pet under anesthesia. Blood work is performed before treatment to ensure the safety of anesthesia.
*If you would like to know if your pet’s teeth are due for a cleaning, stop by Patton Chapel Animal Clinic to have one of our veterinary technicians do a free & quick exam.
Keeping Your Pet’s Teeth Clean at Home
The best way to keep your pet’s teeth clean and to avoid dental problems is to brush regularly at home. Pet toothbrushes and toothpastes are available at local pet stores or at our online store. Dental chews, bones, and hides are also effective ways to keep pet’s teeth clean, but the most effective is regular brushing. Be sure to buy a toothpaste designed specifically for animals, as human toothpaste can be dangerous for your pet.