Dental disease is the most common problem affecting pets in the United States, and it can start as early as one year of age!
Regular dental evaluations and scheduled dental procedures based on your pet’s individual needs are essential for keeping your pet happy and healthy. At VCA Timpanogos Animal Hospital, we offer advanced dental care services that address and prevent periodontal disease.
In the early stages of periodontal disease, gums become irritated and inflamed. Without routine dental care, bacteria from the mouth travels below the gum line and causes infections along the roots of teeth. Signs of periodontal disease include red gums, bad breath (pets with healthy teeth rarely have bad breath!) and brown material on the teeth. As dental disease progresses, infection can spread to the major organs and cause serious health complications, including heart, kidney and liver disease.
Daily tooth brushing is the most effective way to keep your pet’s teeth healthy. However, if your pet is older than one year of age, check with your VCA Timpanogos Animal Hospital veterinarian before starting a tooth-brushing regimen to make sure it is safe to brush your pet’s teeth. If your pet already has established periodontal disease, brushing teeth yourself could cause more harm than good. A full dental treatment may be required to clean the teeth and treat infection before you can begin at-home dental care.
Schedule an appointment for pet dental care at VCA Timpanogos Animal Hospital by calling 801-406-9443.
