Dental Care
How can I prevent dental disease?
Just as with your own teeth, nothing beats brushing. The fibers of the toothbrush are able to reach between teeth and under gums to pick out tiny deposits of food. A toothbrush acts as a tiny scrub brush for the closest possible cleaning. We have toothbrushes and toothpaste available. Never use a human toothpaste for a pet as these contain sudsing agents (people like to see foam when they brush their teeth) that are not meant to be swallowed in quantity. Animal toothpastes come in pet-preferred flavors (chicken, seafood, and malt) in addition to mint. All are expected to be swallowed. Finger brushes are available for smaller dogs, puppies, and kittens.
Studies have shown that brushing three times a week is adequate to maintain healthy teeth and gums, but daily brushing was needed to control existing gingivitis.
How do I know if my pet has dental disease?
Dental disease is the most common disease seen by veterinarians. 70-85% of pets over the age of 2 have some form of dental disease. Signs of dental disease include:
It is important to have your pet checked for dental disease, as this disease can have a major impact on your pet’s organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys.
How long should my pet go between dental cleanings?
Some dogs (usually small breeds) can require a dental up to every 6 months. Some dogs can go 3 to 4 years between dental cleanings. Typically, after the age of 2 or 3, most dogs and cats will need a dental every 1 to 2 years. Assessment by your veterinarian will allow you to discuss your pet’s dental health and if excessive plaque or periodontal disease requires a cleaning.
Remember, good oral hygiene at home increases the time between professional cleanings.
How will dental care benefit my pet?
Just as with your own teeth, nothing beats brushing. The fibers of the toothbrush are able to reach between teeth and under gums to pick out tiny deposits of food. A toothbrush acts as a tiny scrub brush for the closest possible cleaning. We have toothbrushes and toothpaste available. Never use a human toothpaste for a pet as these contain sudsing agents (people like to see foam when they brush their teeth) that are not meant to be swallowed in quantity. Animal toothpastes come in pet-preferred flavors (chicken, seafood, and malt) in addition to mint. All are expected to be swallowed. Finger brushes are available for smaller dogs, puppies, and kittens.
Studies have shown that brushing three times a week is adequate to maintain healthy teeth and gums, but daily brushing was needed to control existing gingivitis.
How do I know if my pet has dental disease?
Dental disease is the most common disease seen by veterinarians. 70-85% of pets over the age of 2 have some form of dental disease. Signs of dental disease include:
- Bad breath
- Yellow, brown, or discolored teeth
- Loose teeth
- Red and inflamed gums
- Swollen mouth, jaw, or gums
- Disinterest in chew toys
- Pain when eating
It is important to have your pet checked for dental disease, as this disease can have a major impact on your pet’s organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys.
How long should my pet go between dental cleanings?
Some dogs (usually small breeds) can require a dental up to every 6 months. Some dogs can go 3 to 4 years between dental cleanings. Typically, after the age of 2 or 3, most dogs and cats will need a dental every 1 to 2 years. Assessment by your veterinarian will allow you to discuss your pet’s dental health and if excessive plaque or periodontal disease requires a cleaning.
Remember, good oral hygiene at home increases the time between professional cleanings.
How will dental care benefit my pet?
- Reduced plaque and tartar
- Decreased oral infections
- Helps prevent bad breath
- Helps prevent heart, liver, and kidney disease caused by dental disease
- Helps prevent pain caused by decaying teeth
What to Expect
Pricing will be based on grade of teeth, meaning overall condition, and two weight categories, up to 50 pounds and over 50 pounds (50.1 pounds and up). Tooth extractions will be additional.
Your pet's dentistry appointment will include blood work, a full mouth X-ray, anesthesia with monitoring throughout, and necessary aftercare medications. Before pick-up, your pet will also be administered an anti-nausea medication so he/she feels good and up to eating dinner that evening. Your pet will receive a day-of release appointment and a progress exam 3-6 months after dental work.
Your pet will go home with a freshly cleaned set of teeth, a dental health goodie bag, and a complimentary nail trim.
What about the risks of anesthesia?
Though small, anesthesia is a very real risk for dogs and cats, just as it is for humans. We take care to further reduce the risks of anesthesia by following a proactive protocol to assess our patients and monitor their care throughout the dental procedure. Steps include pre-anesthetic testing, inhalant gas, electronic monitoring, and intravenous fluids.
We perform pre-surgical blood work on each of our patients prior to placing them under anesthesia. Our dental team monitors each patient throughout the dental procedure to ensure the patient is responding appropriately to the anesthesia. We use very safe anesthetics and monitor your pet for any adverse reactions as they recover.
Please remember, the adverse effects of bad teeth on the overall health of the pet greatly outweigh the anesthetic risk.
Does my pet have to stay overnight after the dental procedure?
Generally, routine dentals are an outpatient procedure. Your pet is not allowed food for 12 hours prior to check-in at 7:45 am (that means no food after 7:45 pm the day before the appointment). Water is permitted. Patients are usually ready to return home after 3 pm the same day. Pets receiving advanced dental procedures with X-rays and extractions are still dismissed the same day.
Your pet's dentistry appointment will include blood work, a full mouth X-ray, anesthesia with monitoring throughout, and necessary aftercare medications. Before pick-up, your pet will also be administered an anti-nausea medication so he/she feels good and up to eating dinner that evening. Your pet will receive a day-of release appointment and a progress exam 3-6 months after dental work.
Your pet will go home with a freshly cleaned set of teeth, a dental health goodie bag, and a complimentary nail trim.
What about the risks of anesthesia?
Though small, anesthesia is a very real risk for dogs and cats, just as it is for humans. We take care to further reduce the risks of anesthesia by following a proactive protocol to assess our patients and monitor their care throughout the dental procedure. Steps include pre-anesthetic testing, inhalant gas, electronic monitoring, and intravenous fluids.
We perform pre-surgical blood work on each of our patients prior to placing them under anesthesia. Our dental team monitors each patient throughout the dental procedure to ensure the patient is responding appropriately to the anesthesia. We use very safe anesthetics and monitor your pet for any adverse reactions as they recover.
Please remember, the adverse effects of bad teeth on the overall health of the pet greatly outweigh the anesthetic risk.
Does my pet have to stay overnight after the dental procedure?
Generally, routine dentals are an outpatient procedure. Your pet is not allowed food for 12 hours prior to check-in at 7:45 am (that means no food after 7:45 pm the day before the appointment). Water is permitted. Patients are usually ready to return home after 3 pm the same day. Pets receiving advanced dental procedures with X-rays and extractions are still dismissed the same day.
How do I schedule a dental appointment?
Please call 937-372-6391 and one of our team members will assist you in scheduling a dental appointment for your pet. Your pet must have had a physical exam within the past six months and be up-to-date on vaccines. It is important that your pet be up-to-date on vaccines to protect both your pet and other client's pets while in our hospital.
Please call 937-372-6391 and one of our team members will assist you in scheduling a dental appointment for your pet. Your pet must have had a physical exam within the past six months and be up-to-date on vaccines. It is important that your pet be up-to-date on vaccines to protect both your pet and other client's pets while in our hospital.