There’s no legal requirement for pet owners to schedule veterinary care and oral examinations for their cats and dogs like the vaccination mandates. But, it is the best way to make sure your pets have every opportunity to thrive from birth to old age. Dental health impacts every organ and tissue in the body. Keeping your pet healthy is a responsibility and will help ensure he or she lives a comfortable, happy life.
Q. How often does my cat or dog need a complete oral examination?
A. Edmond pet dentistry guidelines recommend an annual dental evaluation and prophylaxis (cleaning) of excess plague buildup and periodontal disease.
Q. What does my cat or dog need an annual dental exam?
A. We look for cracks, cavities and other damage to teeth that may interfere with general health and wellness, including oral health.
Oral examinations may reveal tumors or lesions that require further investigation for the veterinarians to rule out oral cancers. The majority of cats and dogs (80% of canines and 70% of felines) exhibit signs of oral disease by the time they turn three years old. The annual veterinarian exam allows our dental team to identify and treat gum diseases, like gingivitis, which can weakness ligaments anchoring teeth in place, before significant tooth loss occurs.
Q. What are the signs of oral infections?
A. Bad breath (halitosis), redness, oozing gums, pain (expressed by reduced food consumption or trouble eating hard foods, and swelling are all signs. You may only notice one or two symptoms or these symptoms, plus diarrhea and fever.
Q. Does routine cleaning and proper dental hygiene prevent all dental problems?
A. No. Some small animals and some breeds are prone to developing dental diseases. Cats have unique dental risks. According to the American Veterinary Dental Forum, cats five years of age and older have a 72% chance of developing a painful condition called feline odontonclastic resorptive lesion (FORL) can affect any tooth, but is most presents seen in lower premolars. No one has found a cause for FORL’s. And, they can develop silently without outward signs or symptoms.
Q. Is it really necessary to have my pet’s teeth cleaned every year?
A. We recommend annual cleanings to prevent disease progression and keep your pet healthier longer.
Regular checkups with our veterinarians enable us to spot early signs of oral cancers and hidden abscesses that may progress into serious, life threatening conditions.
Q. Is it true that poor dental health can damage internal organs?
A. Yes. The American Animal Hospital Association says dental disease affects heart health, lung fitness and kidney function. There is a circular relationship between chronic kidney disease and dental disease, CKD causes dental health decline and poor dental health contributes to CKD.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian Today
We encourage small animal owners to contact our Edmond, OK office at (405) 330-0676 for more information about dental hygiene and to schedule an appointment with our veterinarians.