Pet Dental Care at Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital
Maintaining Your Florida Pet's Pearly Whites
You are a responsible pet owner and you take good care of your pet - but do you always remember to take care of your pet's teeth? Pets can be burdened by dental problems and diseases just like humans.
Dental disease can inhibit proper nutrition, be painful, and lead to other serious systemic issues that may threaten your pet's overall health before symptoms are even noticeable. Regular dental check-ups at Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital, combined with good dental hygiene at home, can increase your pet's health, vitality, and well-being and help ensure your special companion leads the best life possible.
Signs of Pet Dental Problems
Classic "doggy breath" is not necessarily normal - halitosis, or bad breath, is the most common sign of dental disease. The major cause of halitosis is periodontal disease. This is an infection of the gums and potentially the other supporting structures of the teeth.
Plaque builds up every day on the tooth surface, including at the gum line. If left in place, the plaque can mineralize, or harden, in less than two days, forming calculus or tartar. The continued build-up of tartar both above and below the gum line can produce an environment for certain types of bacteria that may be more destructive to the periodontal tissues and produce a more noticeable odor.
Additional signs of dental disease include:
- Red and swollen gums
- Pain or bleeding
- Loose or missing teeth
- Yellow-brown plaque crust on teeth, near the gum line
- A yellowish-brown crust of plaque on the teeth near the gum line
- Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
Please call Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital today at (321) 777-6444 if your pet is experiencing any of the above symptoms.
Protecting Your Pet's Dental Health at Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital
Our veterinarians and staff believe the foundation of good dental care begins with a comprehensive oral exam followed by a thorough cleaning with ultrasonic scalers designed to remove plaque and slow its build-up.
At our veterinary hospital, the dental care we provide includes:
- Oral health assessments
- Teeth cleanings with ultrasonic scalers
- Diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease
- Tooth extractions and polishing
- Digital dental X-rays
- Oral surgery and biopsies
If we find any evidence of gum or tooth erosion, gingivitis, or excessive plaque build-up, we will discuss this with you and recommend treatment options for your pet.
In Between Cleanings: Dental Care at Home
By ensuring your pet receives annual dental exams, you can prevent serious dental problems from developing. In between visits to your veterinarian at Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital, check your pet's teeth regularly for signs of problems. Brushing your pet's teeth is the single most important procedure you can do to maintain good oral health. Brushing can dramatically decreases the incidence of gingivitis and can increase the interval between teeth cleaning appointments, if done regularly.
If you are unsure how to brush your pet's teeth, please ask a staff member at Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital for instructions. We are happy to help!