Your furry companion is a very important part of your family, which means that you are deeply invested in ensuring they receive the absolute best healthcare possible. It is not unusual for cats and dogs to suffer from at least a mild form of gum disease by the time they are three years of age. Gum disease in pets can be prevented or effectively treated and resolved through proper dental care, which includes teeth cleaning and polishing.
Caring for Your Pet’s Teeth
We highly suggest that you try brushing your pets teeth daily or weekly. Prior to cleaning and polishing your pet’s teeth, your veterinarian will first educate you about general oral health in pets and encourage you to ask any and all questions you may have. She will then perform an initial, brief exam of your pet’s mouth in order to assess their current oral health condition. This will not only allow her to give you a better idea of what sort of treatment and care may be necessary in order to restore or maintain their oral health, but it will open the door to any additional questions you may have.
For your pet’s comfort and safety, they will need to be anesthetized for the teeth cleaning and polishing procedure. In order to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia, your veterinarian will first draw and analyze their blood. In some cases, potential problems that are noted during this analysis can be successfully resolved. In other cases, your pet’s veterinarian may need to recommend an alternative method for cleaning their teeth that does not involve the administration of general anesthesia.
While it is understandable that having your pet placed under anesthesia can cause you to feel nervous or worried, rest assured that there are many protocols in place to ensure that the process is safe. If you are concerned about your pet’s safety while under anesthesia, you are highly encouraged to discuss your concerns with your veterinarian so that they can set you at ease prior to the procedure.
The teeth cleaning and polishing procedure normally includes:
- A complete oral examination, which may also include full dental x-rays to help determine whether there are any problems occurring beneath the gum line–such as broken teeth and roots, periodontal disease, dead teeth, abscesses or infected teeth.
- Full cleaning under the gum line to resolve any periodontal disease issues that are occurring.
- Scaling (scraping) and polishing of the visible portion of the teeth–known as the crown of the teeth. This scaling and polishing allows for the removal of plaque and calculus buildup on the teeth, and the introduction of a smooth tooth surface that discourages future bacteria, plaque and calculus buildup.
Your pet will be closely monitored as they recover from anesthesia. Once your pet has recovered from anesthesia, they will be able to go home. Your pet will be able to eat and perform normal activities, and you will receive instructions on how to properly care for their teeth or potentially change their diets at home.
As is the case with humans, preventative dental care for pets, such as regular teeth cleaning and polishing, is often far more comfortable and inexpensive than restorative dental care. For more information about teeth cleaning and polishing, contact us today.
