DENTAL ISSUES

During every physical exam, we carefully look into your pet’s mouth to assess the overall health status in the oral cavity. Some owners will comment that the smell from their pets’ mouth is unbearable and detracts from affection in some cases.  On looking into your pet’s mouth, we are looking for gingivitis (red, swollen, easily bleeding gums), tartar buildup, tooth fractures (broken teeth), and oral masses.  The percentage of dogs affected with dental disease approaches 80%, while, 70% of cats are experiencing some form of dental disease by the age of 3.  For many animals, dental disease can be silent but painful and affect the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and other organs.  Each year, your pet’s mouth will be examined for signs of dental disease and the effective treatments may range from simply brushing the teeth, a routine dental cleaning under general anesthesia or if severe, extractions of teeth if unsalvageable.   Be aware, if left untreated,  dental disease can progress to increased smell, tartar build-up, root exposure and can lead to periodontal bone loss that may proceed in significant disease to fractures in the bones of the face and/or jaw.