Most pets have developed dental disease by the age of 3 years. Dental hygiene is one of the most important things you can do to keep your pet healthy and living as long as possible. If left untreated, your pet can experience bad breath, drooling, mouth pain and difficulty eating. The bacteria associated with dental disease can also travel from the mouth to the blood stream resulting in serious illness and disease in the heart, kidneys and liver.
Dental radiographs are extremely important for the diagnosis of dental disease in dogs and cats. Dental radiographs are performed prior routine dental cleanings as well as complicated dental extractions. Root canals and other tooth saving procedures are referred to a local board-certified dentist.
You can brush your pet’s teeth at home, with pet toothpaste, to help increase the time between professional dental cleanings.