More Than Fresh Breath: The Importance of Pet Dental Care

As pet owners, we dote on our furry companions and strive to provide them with the best possible care. From daily walks to regular check-ups, we go above and beyond to keep them healthy and happy. However, dental care is one aspect of pet health that is often overlooked. Just like humans, pets require proper oral hygiene to maintain their health and overall well-being.

At Pet Method Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive dental services to keep your cat or dog’s oral health in tip-top shape. Visit our McKinney, TX, vet hospital to experience pet dentistry at its best!

The Importance of Pet Dental Care

Your pet’s teeth matter. Strong, healthy teeth help your pet eat, ensuring they get the nutrients they need to keep them healthy. They also help your furry companion live a healthy, pain-free life. Dental problems in cats and dogs can range from simple plaque and tartar buildup or bad breath to more severe issues like tooth decay or periodontal disease.

Dental disease in pets can cause severe pain and even tooth loss. It can also cause difficulty eating, leading to poor nutrition. Worse yet, a tooth or gum infection can spread to other organs, putting your pet’s heart, liver, and kidneys at risk.

All About Veterinary Dental Care

At Pet Method, we believe in prevention and early detection to safeguard your pet’s oral health. Here’s a look at some of the dental services we offer:

Routine Dental Exams: Oral exams typically occur during your pet’s annual wellness visits to help diagnose and treat any dental problems as they develop. If, however, your pet has pain, bad breath, or tooth damage between visits, contact Pet Method to schedule a consultation. The sooner a dental concern is treated, the better the outcomes.

Full Mouth Dental X-Rays: Dr. Finn may recommend dental x-rays during a routine or emergency dental visit to evaluate your pet’s dental health and uncover issues like hidden decay, infections, periodontal disease, or bone loss around the tooth roots. Dental x-rays are typically performed under general anesthesia for your pet’s safety and comfort.

Professional Dental Cleanings: We recommend yearly dental cleanings, which involve removing plaque and tartar buildup from your pet’s teeth and gum line and cleaning and polishing the teeth. Routine cleanings lower the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, prevent bad breath, relieve tooth pain, and prevent complications like tooth loss, kidney disease, organ damage, and more. Dental cleanings are typically performed under general anesthesia for your pet’s safety and comfort.

Periodontal Care: Gum disease is usually diagnosed through dental x-rays. When discovered early on, it is treatable. Stage one gum disease, a condition known as gingivitis, starts with redness or inflammation of the gums. If not treated, it progresses to periodontitis, leading to gum recession, tooth root exposure, and even tooth loss. Treating periodontal disease involves a deep cleaning, which removes plaque and tartar buildup. Late-stage periodontitis may require more advanced surgical treatment. Periodontal treatments are typically performed under general anesthesia for your pet’s safety and comfort.

Good Home Oral Hygiene Practices for Your Pet

A good home oral care routine helps lower the risk of dental disease. Brushing your pet’s teeth with pet-specific toothpaste helps prevent tartar from building up on the teeth and gum line. If not cleaned away, plaque can harden to tartar and can only be removed during a professional dental cleaning. The earlier you start brushing, the better. Remember to reward your pet with a treat when done.

If your pet resists brushing, consider liquid or foam mouth-cleaning alternatives or chewy toys and treats designed to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Dr. Finn is happy to talk to you about establishing a good at-home oral care routine, including brushing your pet’s teeth, dental hygiene chews, and other mouth-healthy products. Caring for your pet’s teeth will enhance your pet’s oral and overall health, leading to a happier, healthier life.

Pet Dental Care Near Me in McKinney, TX

Visit Pet Method Animal Hospital to learn more about caring for your pet’s oral health. Dr. Hunter Finn and his team are all about prevention to keep dental disease at bay. They are pleased to offer quality dental services to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy and sound.

We invite you to call (469) 581-8609 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!