Your Pet's Oral Health

Your pet can have dental diseases and problems just like people do. Regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings combined with good dental hygiene at home can increase your pet's health and vitality and help ensure your pet leads the best life possible.

If left untreated, dental disease can not only be painful and inhibit proper nutrition - it can also lead to serious systemic issues that may threaten your pet's overall health before symptoms are noticeable. For those reasons, we strongly recommend that regular dental care be a part of your pet's preventive health care program.

At our animal hospital, your pet's dental appointment includes:

• Oral examination under anesthesia
• Supra and subgingival ultrasonic scaling
• Polishing
• Irrigation

And may additionally include:

• Digital X-rays
• Tooth extractions

Should we find any issues, we will discuss them with you and offer treatment options for your pet. We are experienced dental practitioners and can provide a number of dental procedures and oral surgeries.

Caring for Your Pet's Teeth at Home

At home, please brush your pet's teeth regularly and check for signs of problems. Brushing your pet's teeth is the single most important way to maintain your companion's good oral health. If performed regularly, brushing your pet's teeth 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 knowledgeable member of the staff at Cottage Grove Animal Hospital for instructions. We are happy to help!

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, his or her overall well-being and health is also being impacted. Don't wait - please call us today for an appointment.