Pet Dental Care
Just like humans, pets require routine dental attention to prevent pain, discomfort, and disease. At Tanglewilde Veterinary Clinic, treating your pet’s dental health is key to ensuring their overall well-being.
Our Comprehensive Pet Dental Care in Houston, TX
Dental disease is extremely common in pets, currently affecting up to 85% of adult dogs and cats. Many pets show signs of dental disease by age 3. Small dogs are at especially high risk.
Routine Dental Care
Did you know when your pet’s teeth aren’t cared for, they face the same health problems as humans with poor oral hygiene?
When a pet’s teeth aren’t maintained, plaque and tartar build-up along the gum line, creating pockets where harmful bacteria thrive. This is called periodontal disease. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to oral health problems, plus organ damage, blood infections, and even death.
Unfortunately, most pet owners do not realize they need to take care of their pets’ teeth until it’s too late. 50% of all cats and dogs and 75% of pets over age three suffer from some form of periodontal disease.
Signs of Periodontal Disease and Other Dental Problems
Pets don’t always outwardly display signs of pain or other discomforts, as they instinctively try to mask health problems. If your pet has an oral health issue, you might notice some of the following signs or symptoms:
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen gums
- Swollen face
- Bleeding in the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Loose or missing teeth
- Discomfort when picking up toys
- Discomfort or difficulty eating and drinking
Dental Care and Dental Examinations with Our Veterinarian
At Tanglewilde Veterinary Clinic, we’re happy to provide our patients with routine dental care. With every wellness exam, our veterinarian will visually inspect your pet’s teeth and gums, looking for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. If a dental cleaning is recommended, an estimate will be provided and a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning will be scheduled.
Performed under sedation, pet dental cleanings are similar to a human’s. Our veterinary team will scale and polish your pet’s teeth, remove plaque and tartar build-up, and perform dental X-rays to detect any underlying issues. If more serious problems are found, such as cavities or an abscess, a separate tooth extraction appointment might be required for adequate treatment.
Caring for Your Pet’s Teeth at Home
The most important thing you can do for your pet’s oral health is to provide dental care at home between professional cleanings with our veterinarian. We recommend feeding pets dental-friendly kibbles, which are low in sugar. You can also treat your pet with specially formulated treats to stimulate the gums.
We also recommend pet parents brush their pets’ teeth at home. Although it might seem like a daunting task at first, our veterinarian can provide instructions and show you how to get started. Be sure to use a toothbrush and toothpaste specially designed and formulated for cats or dogs, as products intended for human use can harm pets.