Dentistry

Routine examination of your pet's mouth by a veterinarian will help to detect and treat problems early in an effort to prevent dental decay. Giving your pet a proper diet and appropriate chew treats promotes a healthy mouth. Certain hard items, like bones, antlers, plastic frisbees, and  tennis balls can cause tooth damage and should be avoided.   You can improve your pet's oral health by brushing teeth with fluoride-free pet toothpaste using a soft-bristled toothbrush on a routine weekly basis, or more often, if your schedule and pet will allow it!

Many breeds are predisposed to dental decay even at a young age, in spite of good at-home dental care and proper nutrition.  Greyhounds and many small breeds, such as Yorkies, Poodles, Maltese, and Dachshunds are prone to dental disease, but any breed or species, including cats and rabbits, can be affected.  Dental wear occurs as a part of the aging process so dental disease is more common in senior pets. However, juvenile dogs sometimes have retained baby teeth (usually the large fang-like canine teeth) that need extraction to prevent overcrowding.

Signs of dental disease may include bad breath (halitosis), yellow deposits on the teeth (tartar), a red or receding gum line (gingivitis), and/or missing teeth.  When the teeth and surrounding structures, such as gums and bone sockets are affected, the condition is called periodontal disease.