Here are some more facts about pet dental health as it relates to cleaning, anesthesia, and Xrays.
Since February is Pet Dental Health Month, we’ll be sharing some facts with you the entire month. Dental health is an aspect of health that you should never overlook, whether it relates to people or pets. A common misconception is that brushing your pet’s teeth is enough to take care of their dental health. However, most dental diseases occur below the gumline. Imagine if you never went to the dentist! Therefore, you should schedule an appointment so one of our veterinarians can evaluate your pet’s teeth and decide if a dental procedure is necessary. The combination of dental services such as X-rays and periodontal care and treatment is more effective than cleaning only tooth surfaces. Here are some more facts about pet dental health as it relates to cleaning, anesthesia, and radiographs.
A Summary of Our Dental Cleanings
Our expert veterinarians use anesthesia to perform professional dental cleanings. Our expert veterinarians also use an endotracheal tube along with a closed breathing system to prevent the aspiration of bacteria. As with all of our surgical procedures, our expert veterinarians draw bloodwork prior to anesthesia to evaluate the health of your pet’s major organs. They have to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to receive anesthesia and surgery if need be.
How Anesthesia Plays a Part in Our Dental Services
Our highly experienced veterinarians use anesthesia to minimize any discomfort or pain. While people understand the benefits behind dental services, pets do not. It’s normal for a pet to react by moving, trying to exit the room, or even go as far as biting. Anesthesia combats this while reducing pain and stress. Anesthesia-free dental cleanings are not a possibility. Why? Because our veterinarians need to take x-rays and your pet needs to be very still. Without a sedative, this would be highly unlikely. Our vets use x-rays to check for dental problems hidden beneath the gum line such as tooth infections or damaged roots.
How to Take Care of Pet Dental Health at Home
Brushing your pet’s teeth is the first step. If you have a pup or kitten, then it’s best to start this process early to get them used to it. Use a small, child-sized toothbrush and always use toothpaste made for pets and not people. Some human toothpaste has ingredients that are toxic to your pets! We offer a line of at-home dental care products, which includes: toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental chews, and more! It may require a lot of patience, but bettering your pet’s health is worth it.
One last note…you can save money all-year-round!!! Dental cleanings are 10% off when you schedule them within 30 days of a DVM recommendation
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!