Q: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO TAKE CARE OF MY PET'S TEETH?

A: Pets do not have the ability to care for their teeth in the same way that people do. A pet’s teeth serve all of the same functions that ours do and a few more: eating, grooming, carrying objects, etc.

Without proper care, teeth can acquire an excessive buildup of plaque and tartar which harbor bacteria. This bacteria may then enter the bloodstream and spread to other important organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Like humans, pets experience some degree of pain from severe dental disease. Paying attention to your pet’s dental health is important so that symptoms don’t go unnoticed.

Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO TO CARE FOR MY DOG'S TEETH?

A: Yearly professional dental cleanings are recommended in the same way that your own dentist recommends routine cleanings for your teeth. During these cleanings, your pet’s teeth will be examined carefully for problems, a detailed dental chart will be made, and any necessary x-rays will be taken. The teeth will be professionally scaled and polished so that you will have a good foundation to start home care. Brushing your pet’s teeth a minimum of three times weekly will be encouraged to greatly help in reducing plaque and tartar buildup.

Q: WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR TREATING A BROKEN TOOTH?

A: Your pet’s teeth don’t always have to be removed when they are broken or damaged. There have been many advances in veterinary dentistry that allows many of the same procedures that are performed on humans to be performed on animals. This includes root canals, which preserve the structure of an injured or non-vital tooth, and vital pulp therapy, which can preserve teeth that have recently been injured. This should be done within 48 hours of the injury resulting in a tooth fracture.

It is not recommended to take a “wait and see” approach with fractured teeth, as this can predispose your animal to infection of the tooth root which can then travel to other areas of the body.