dog laying in grass
Dental

Pet Dental Care

Dentistry is one of the most important things we do for pets. It’s essential care. We want your pet to live the best life, free of painful dental trouble and disease.

Pet Dental Care in Houston, TX 77063

Dental disease is extremely common in pets: 85% of adult dogs and cats have some stage of it. Many pets are already showing 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? That’s right, your pet’s health depends on proper dental care. When 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. In fact, 50% of all cats and dogs and 75% of pets over age three are living with 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
Vet examine cat's teeth
Dog in Ground

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. Depending on the state of your pet’s teeth, we might recommend x-rays or a more thorough examination and professional teeth cleaning.

Performed under sedation, pet dental cleanings are very similar to a human’s dental cleaning. Our veterinarian will scale and polish your pet’s teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup. If more serious problems are found, such as cavities or even 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, designed to stimulate the gums.

In addition, 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 be harmful to pets.