Bye-bye, doggie breath! The power of dentistry to support your pet’s healthy teeth, gums, and much more
Think of the last time you had a toothache or something wrong with your mouth. You probably didn’t want to eat anything because it hurt so much. You likely got very little sleep due to the pain. Aching teeth also tend to interfere with productivity at work or school. It can be difficult to do much of anything, let alone concentrate on projects or fulfill work obligations. Now, imagine your dog or cat. Our pets can’t tell us how much they hurt. We take dentistry very seriously at Cornelius Pet Hospital in Ventura, California. In fact, our team, led by Drs. Brandon Heikes and Elise LaFevre have invested considerable time and training in continuing education. With our high level of expertise in diagnosing and treating oral conditions, pets can maintain their excellent quality of life. They are also less susceptible to other diseases linked to dental and periodontal conditions.
What do you offer to keep my pet’s mouth in good shape?
One of the best things you can do for your pet is stay on top of routine wellness visits. Depending on your pet’s age and health status, these visits may be scheduled once or twice a year. We often describe such appointments as a “nose-to-tail” exam. These exams naturally involve taking a peek inside of your pet’s mouth. And, just as you undergo routine professional dental cleanings, we offer much the same for pets. When a dental cleaning is performed, we will take x-rays to look closer at those tissues and structures that cannot be seen clearly with the unaided eye.
What can I expect from a dental cleaning?
This service, known as a complete oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT), is an opportunity to remove what can’t be removed with standard oral care products we may provide you for use at home. These substances include destructive bacterial plaque build-up or tartar. By reducing harmful oral bacteria, plaque, and tartar, we reduce the risk of your pet developing tooth decay and gum/periodontal disease. We also stop the progression of active oral disease. So, your pet can return to eating without difficulty or pain, feeling their absolute best and leading their best life. In addition to using scalers and other instruments to remove these substances, we also polish the teeth to minimize that dreaded “doggie breath.” Other services or products, such as antibiotic therapy to clear infections or tooth extraction(s) for advanced disease, may complement the prophylaxis.
Will my pet need to be sedated?
Yes! It’s generally accepted that anesthesia is the only safe way to perform the procedure. Our patients’ safety is paramount. By preventing your pet from potentially hurting themselves due to stress from the procedure, we also help keep our team safe. We cannot overemphasize that the risks of forgoing dental services like cleaning outweigh the rare risk of complications associated with anesthesia for most pets.
What else can I do to protect my pet’s teeth?
It’s important to contact us promptly if you notice potential signs of dental disease and pain of dental/periodontal origin. These signs include dropping food or other difficulties with eating; excessive drooling; a loss of interest in eating among those with formerly robust appetites; persistent scratching or rubbing at the mouth; and bloody saliva. Traces of blood may also appear on toys or in water bowls. We can advise on cleaning techniques, as well as tooth-friendly chewables, treats, water additives, and diets. Know that when you are proactive about your pup’s or kitty’s oral health you also make their overall health a world of good. As with people, researchers have linked untreated gum disease to microscopic changes and damage in the heart, kidneys, and other distant organs. Your pet’s oral health does not operate in isolation; it both affects and is influenced by the overall health of their body. We welcome your additional questions and look forward to meeting your pet. Call Cornelius Pet Hospital in Ventura, CA, at (805) 793-1708 today.
