Clean, fresh breath is not the norm for dogs and cats, but it should be! Proper dental care is essential to maintaining their oral health, and their complete systemic health, too. Professional teeth cleaning procedures at American Animal Hospital support your pet’s ongoing dental care, reducing tartar buildup and helping to prevent dental disease. Dental disease is a common but preventable condition that can lead to tooth loss, painful oral infection, and diseases of the heart, liver, and kidneys. With our comprehensive pet dental care services and recommendations for at-home care, your pet can remain dental disease-free for life!
Make a dental appointment with us today so we can talk about your pet’s needs.
Signs Your Pet May Have Dental Disease
Our pets need help maintaining their oral health and should have a dental checkup at least once a year, including routine professional cleanings. Dental disease is not always outwardly obvious in dogs and cats, but when our team performs oral exams, we typically look for the following signs:
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Red, swollen gums
- Plaque or tartar buildup along the gum line
- Swelling around the face/muzzle
Our Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning Services
Before we can clean your pet’s teeth, we need to perform a thorough oral assessment while they are under sedation to check for issues that may be hiding under the gum line.
Here is what to expect before, during, and after your pet’s teeth cleaning appointment:
- After a health evaluation and blood work, your pet is placed under general anesthesia so we can perform a thorough oral exam and make sure no tooth extractions are necessary.
- We also perform full mouth dental X-rays to check for hidden infections and damage.
- We clean your pet’s teeth above and below the gum line, removing hardened buildup and polishing the tooth enamel to a smooth shine. Then, we apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen the enamel.
- Next, we place an antibiotic gel in any deep gingival pockets we find around the teeth to treat and prevent future infections.
- If your pet needed to have one or more teeth extracted, we will provide them with the necessary pain relief during and after their procedure. We may also send you home with oral medication to administer to your pet to keep them comfortable as they heal.
Do you have a question or concern about your pet’s dental care? Our team is dedicated to keeping your pet’s teeth strong and healthy and can recommend a treatment plan specifically tailored to their needs. We’re also happy to recommend products for at-home dental care to maintain their oral health between visits! Call us today at (402) 493-6767 and a knowledgeable team member will assist you in scheduling an appointment.