While larger animals such as horses and livestock can pose specific dental issues, dogs, cat and other small animals face many of the same problems with their teeth and gums that humans do. Pets can experience such familiar conditions as tooth decay, periodontal disease, cracked or broken teeth, abscesses and oral cancers. Fortunately, our Edmond pet dentistry services including regular dental checkups and cleanings can go a long way toward preventing these conditions from developing or detecting them early enough to facilitate prompt treatment. Here at White Oaks Veterinary Clinic, our experienced team helps small animals preserve their teeth, eat more comfortably and effectively, and enjoy many years of optimal health.
The principal enemy every small animal dentist must fight is plaque. This combination of food and saliva coats the teeth and gums until it hardens into tartar. As tartar continues to build up on these surfaces, bacteria begins to migrate to it, causing tooth decay and periodontal (gum) diseases such as gingivitis. The ligaments that hold in the teeth in place may eventually give way, allowing your pet to lose teeth necessary for thorough chewing and digestion.
Abscesses and other infections may also invade the teeth and gums, causing pain, foul breath, redness, oozing and swelling in the affected tissues. If the bacterial infection proceeds unchecked, it can lead to major systemic problems such as organ damage. By the age of three, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats display some level of oral disease; disease that could easily be prevented or stopped in its tracks through regular professional care. That’s why we urge owners to bring their pets in for annual dental evaluations and teeth cleanings. Our Edmond pet dentistry professionals can remove even tough tartar buildup underneath the gum line to keep the teeth and gums healthy, note any gum disease or tooth damage that may need treatment, and examine the rest of the oral cavity for tumors or other suspicious developments.
Not all small animal dental issues occur as a result of neglect. Trauma can cause cracks or breakage, and in some animal (particularly toy breeds), the “baby” teeth fail to fall out, crowding the permanent teeth that are pushing their way into the mouth and attracting hair and possibly causing damage to both sets of teeth. Cats may develop odd holes in their teeth known as resorptive lesions. Senior pets generally have a higher incidence of tooth loss and periodontal issues than younger pets, requiring us to take an even closer look at their dental health.
Let Us Be Your Resource for Edmond Pet Dentistry
Our Edmond pet dentistry services include everything from routine care to emergency extractions or oral surgery. Our small animal dentist also advises owners on sensible home dental hygiene tips, from brushing techniques to which foods and chew toys can help prevent tartar buildup. We encourage pet owners to contact our office at (405) 330-0676 for a consultation.