How to make your pet smile

Show us your best dog or cat grin - are those teeth pearly white? Is that breath fresh? The answer should be yes to both!

You can't have a healthy body without a healthy mouth. Rotten teeth cause pain in our pets, even though they won't show it. Very few animals will stop eating due to oral pain. They will mostly just slow down, or perhaps change the amount of time they spend with toys. 

First step: a comprehensive oral exam and treatment. Because our patients won't open wide and say 'aah', this must be done under sedation. Just like a fear-free human dentist uses medications to relax those of us who are dental-phobes, a light anesthesia relaxes your pet so they aren't stressed and don't experience any pain during the procedure. As an AAHA-accredited practice, you can be sure that we have your pet's safety top of mind at all times. Each patient is continuously monitored by a dedicated team member from the moment of induction through to recovery.  

---

What will we find?
We like to find healthy teeth under a small amount of tartar, with healthy gums that are pink and sharp-edged. Dental xrays will show us healthy roots and bone. These procedures are the shortest and least invasive, and our pets wake refreshed with healthy mouths and fresh breath. An optional dental sealant provides up to 6 months of extra protection against periodontal disease.

---

What else can we find? Unfortunately, most of our dental procedures reveal disease of some kind.

• ​gingivitis: swollen red gums
• pockets: when infection travels along the tooth root under the gum line
• root exposure: chronic infection leads to loss of gum and bone
• loose teeth: this is the end stage of periodontal disease, when the supporting structures around the tooth have been destroyed by infection
• tongue or cheek ulcers or wounds
• growths: lumps inside the mouth can be either cancerous or non-cancerous, and biopsy is required to tell the best course of treatment
• swollen tonsils or lymph nodes
• foreign objects: we've removed hair, pieces of acorn, and even sticks!
• laryngeal changes: some patients develop problems with the soft tissues around their larynx as they age, leading to swallowing or breathing changes

All of these problems required advanced procedures, from root planing to extraction to oral surgery.

After we've done our job, it's up to you. Daily home care will keep your pet's mouth healthy.

• Dental diets: Hill's T/D is specially created so that each kibble mechanically scrapes the teeth rather than shattering as your pet chews
• Dental chews: There are many available brands. Look for the VOHC seal on the packaging and always watch your pet while they enjoy their chew. We recommend CET HEXtra chews, CET Veggiedent chews, or Oravet dental hygiene chews. 
• Daily brushing: Brush your dog or cat's teeth every day with an enzymatic toothpaste like the CET enzymatic toothpaste.  Learn how - click on the video!

---