Dentistry - Clean teeth and healthy gums are essential to your pet's health. Infections are more common in the mouth because they can go undetected for long periods of time. Our veterinary staff regularly performs oral exams, cleanings and periodontal care as part of our comprehensive health care goals.
Have you ever “flipped the lip” to see and examine your pet’s teeth? At Oak Park Animal Hospital we will teach you how to “flip the lip” and grade your pet’s teeth. We all know how important dental and oral hygiene are in humans, but what about our pets? The truth of the matter is that our pets need dental care as well!
By the time most cats and dogs reach 2 years old, dental plaque has started to mineralize and adhere to their teeth as tartar. This same plaque and tartar starts to build up under the gum line which combined with bacteria will begin to infect the gums causing gingivitis and bad breath. This will ultimately lead to periodontal disease and teeth extractions if not treated.
Healthy teeth and good oral hygiene prolong your pet’s life. Bad teeth and oral hygiene can affect the health of the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys. It also can complicate already existing diseases that are being managed.
We use the most advanced anesthetics, digital dental radiographs, monitoring and pain control to ensure your pet’s dentistry is as pleasant as possible.
Some Signs of Dental Problems include:
- Bad breath – one of the first signs of dental disease
- A yellowish-brown crust of plaque on the teeth near the gum line
- Red and swollen gums
- Pain or bleeding when your pet eats or when the mouth or gums are touched
- Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
- Loose or missing teeth