Oral Hygiene and Dental Health – A Key to Your Pet’s Well-being
Oral hygiene is a cornerstone of your pet's overall health. Small dogs and cats, in particular, are prone to dental issues such as FORL (Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions), stomatitis, or periodontitis. The key to maintaining dental health lies in preventing plaque buildup.
Plaque, made up of saliva components, bacteria, and food debris, can lead to tartar formation, gum disease, and, over time, tooth loosening or loss. This painful process often occurs over years, allowing bacteria from the mouth to affect the entire body, reducing your pet’s quality of life and potentially shortening its lifespan.
Regular dental check-ups are standard for humans – and they can be for your pet too. We’re here to help ensure your pet’s oral health is in top shape!
How Do Pets Show Dental Pain?
Unlike humans, who actively seek relief for dental pain, dogs and cats often hide their discomfort. Despite dental pain, they usually continue eating. Watch for these signs:
- Bad breath (unpleasant mouth odor)
- Reduced facial expressions or altered movements
- Less playfulness – owners might assume their pet is simply “getting older”
- In severe cases: excessive drooling, difficulty eating, or chewing on one side of the mouth
Common Dental Problems in Dogs – Especially Small Breeds
Small dogs and cats tend to have more dental issues than large dogs, including:
- Retained baby teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- A predisposition to tartar buildup, periodontitis, or FORL
Broken teeth or misalignments are also common reasons for dental visits.
In such cases, a dental cleaning and treatment under anesthesia may be necessary. An intraoral dental X-ray is particularly important to evaluate the roots and fully understand the extent of any issues.
Anxiety About Anesthesia – How We Ensure Safety
To ensure anesthesia safety, we conduct thorough pre-operative checks, including:
- Comprehensive physical exams
- Blood tests and, if needed, a heart ultrasound to identify any underlying conditions like heart disease, liver problems, or kidney issues
These steps help us treat co-existing conditions and minimize risks during the procedure.
Before the procedure, please follow these guidelines:
- No food for 4-8 hours prior to anesthesia (you will receive detailed instructions from our clinic).
- We aim to minimize waiting times in our clinic to reduce stress for your pet.
A calming injection, often called the “relaxation shot,” is administered with your presence to ensure your pet feels as comfortable as possible before the procedure.
The Procedure and Aftercare
During the procedure, we prioritize your pet’s safety by using:
- Inhalation anesthesia with continuous monitoring
- Local pain management to allow for light anesthesia without discomfort
After the procedure, smaller pets are kept warm with special heating pads, as rinses and IV fluids can cause heat loss.
Once your pet is awake and stable, you can take it home.
- Follow-up appointment: Approximately 10 days after the procedure, we will check your pet’s mouth.
- During this time, feed only soft food or moistened dry food.
Would you like to learn more about your pet’s dental health? Book an appointment – we’re happy to help!
