Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning in and Around North Branford, CT
Dental care is one of the most essential services we provide to our patients here in North Branford, CT. In addition to our cat and dog teeth cleanings, which we perform at Central Hospital’s facility just minutes away, we also strongly recommend building a daily dental care routine at home that includes teeth brushing. Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly slows the buildup of plaque and tartar, and reduces the amount of dental work they’ll need with our team. This in turn reduces your pet’s chances of developing gingivitis and other dental diseases, which can harm their quality of life.
Do you know if your pet’s teeth and gums are healthy? If not, it may be time for a dental exam.
What do Cat and Dog Teeth Cleanings Involve?
Dr. Mendillo performs pet teeth cleanings at Central Hospital, which offers state-of-the-art anesthesia and monitoring to keep your companion safe throughout their procedure.
A complete teeth cleaning procedure involves the following steps:
- An in-depth oral exam
- Full-mouth dental X-rays to evaluate oral health below the gum line, where most issues (such as periodontal disease) occur
- Thorough removal of calculus (buildup) above and below the gum line of each tooth
- Teeth polishing to smooth the enamel and slow future plaque formation
- Tooth extractions, which are recommended for teeth that are damaged/loosened beyond repair
The Dangers of Periodontal Disease for Dogs and Cats
Periodontal disease is unfortunately very common among dogs and cats ages 3 and up, despite being quite preventable. Gingivitis, or red, swollen gums, is a condition that precedes periodontal disease. It also serves as a warning sign of things to come if dental treatment is not pursued. Along with swollen gums, other warning signs include bad breath, yellow/brown crust along the gum line, difficulty eating, and excessive drooling.
Periodontal disease can cause many serious problems for pets, including:
- Tooth decay and loss
- Bone loss/weakness of the jaws, which can lead to bone damage
- Heart, liver and/or kidney disease
- A shorter lifespan
With proper dental care, your pet doesn’t have to experience the painful and sometimes debilitating symptoms of periodontal disease, or its lingering effects.
Ways You Can Maintain Your Pet’s Oral Hygiene
There are many options out there for keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. These include:
- Teeth brushing
- Dental chews
- Dental diets
- Water additives
- Oral care wipes
For tips on pet teeth brushing and other forms of home dental care, call or text us today at (203) 562-9896.