Why We Recommend Pet Dental Care in Toronto, Ontario
Dogs and cats need a dental care routine to maintain optimal health. Without consistent treatment, your pet could develop a bacterial infection in their mouth that leads to tooth decay, tooth loss, and chronic oral pain. This can interfere with their ability to live the happy, healthy life they deserve. Westway Animal Clinic follows AAHA’s dentistry guidelines, recommending annual oral exams and professional teeth cleanings for dogs and cats to help keep periodontal disease and other oral conditions at bay. These issues can all be prevented with the appropriate dental care plan, which can be tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
Does your pet have bad breath or other signs of poor oral health, such as drooling or difficulty eating? Contact us today to schedule an oral exam.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that occurs when food debris are left to accumulate in your pet’s mouth and turn into mineralized plaque, also known as tartar or calculus. Tartar can form up to 5 times as quickly in dogs and cats than in people! This tartar forms along the gum line and if left untreated, can find its way below the gum line, and excrete infectious bacteria. In some advanced cases of periodontal disease, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and infect the major organs, leading to potentially irreversible systemic disease.
Signs of Periodontal Disease in Dogs & Cats
Some of the common characteristics of periodontal disease in pets include:
- Bad breath
- Red, inflamed gums
- Bleeding of the gums
- Thick, brownish-yellow buildup along the gum line
- Difficulty chewing and eating, dropping food
- Drooling
- Avoiding chew toys
- Less sociable and/or playful
How We Clean Your Pet’s Teeth
Pet teeth cleaning procedures require anesthesia so our team can examine your pet’s mouth and remove all traces of buildup from the crowns and roots of their teeth. If an infection is present, we will need to administer antibiotics and check for signs of damage below the gum line. Our hospital utilizes digital dental X-ray equipment so we can evaluate your pet’s oral health in full and find hidden signs of disease and decay.
If a tooth is severely decayed or damaged, it will need to be extracted. Westway Animal Clinic provides comprehensive pain management to ensure minimal discomfort for your pet and an easier recovery.
Cleaning Your Pet's Teeth at Home
It is essential to maintain your pet's oral health at home between professional cleanings by using a tooth brush and/or dental wipes to remove food debris and prevent tartar buildup. If you need a demonstration to help you get started, our team would be happy to show you during your pet's next preventative visit.