At Green Cove Animal Hospital, our veterinary staff provides high-quality pet dentistry for cats and dogs. We encourage all pet parents to learn about these important services!
The Impact of Dental Health on Your Pet’s Well-Being
Did you know? Pets with good oral health tend to live longer than pets with poor oral health. This is because diseased or damaged teeth and gums allow bacteria to get into an animal’s bloodstream. Bacteria can then infect other tissues and organs, including the joints, heart, and brain.
Dental problems can also cause pain for your pet and may lead to malnutrition in severe cases if it becomes difficult for a pet to eat.
Signs of Pet Dental Health Problems
It’s not always easy to tell if your pet has dental problems; sometimes there are no symptoms. If signs and symptoms do show up, pet owners may notice:
- Foul breath
- Loose, missing, extra, or broken teeth
- Bleeding from the gums and teeth
- Lumps, bumps, or sores in the mouth
- Unusual eating behaviors (e.g., eating one side of the mouth, frequently dropping food, vocalizing while eating, or losing interest in food)
Don’t wait until you think something is wrong to see a veterinarian about your pet’s oral health. Early and consistent pet dentistry services prevent oral health conditions and keep your animal healthier and happier.
Professional Pet Dentistry: What to Expect
At our Green Cove Springs veterinary clinic, we perform our pet dentistry exams with animals under general sedation. This helps keep them comfortable and allows our team to be thorough as we examine and clean your pet’s mouth.
During a pet dental appointment, we look for possible dental issues, including:
- Plaque and tartar
- Tooth infections or cavities
- Gum disease and inflammation
- Jaw malocclusions
- Tumors or wounds
We make diagnoses based on physical examinations as well as lab tests or X-ray imaging. We’ll let you know about any issues and discuss best-fit treatments, like medications, tooth extractions, or dietary changes.
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Pet Dentistry at Home
We’ll also give you plenty of tips for caring for your pet’s teeth at home, including:
- Safe toys for healthy chewing
- Regular tooth brushing with pet-safe toothbrushes and toothpaste (we’ll show you how!)
- A nutrient-dense diet that promotes healthy teeth, gums, and bones
Is Your Pet Due for a Dental Exam?
Contact Green Cove Animal Hospital at 904-284-5624 to schedule a pet dental exam today.
