Does your pet have bad breath, reddened gums, and/or discolored teeth? These are all common signs of dental disease in animals. Because most pets do not undergo daily tooth brushing, soft plaque easily accumulates and hardens into tartar. The gums become inflamed, a condition called gingivitis, and periodontal disease can develop, leading to gum recession, looseness of teeth, and tooth root abscesses. If left untreated, infection can then spread to other parts of the body such as the kidneys and liver.

All pets should be examined annually by a veterinarian who can check for signs of dental disease and determine if a dental cleaning is needed. Thorough cleaning of a pet's teeth requires general anesthesia. At Animal Hospital of Irvine all animals undergoing a dental cleaning receive pre-anesthetic bloodwork, a short-acting inhalant anesthetic, and pain medication (if needed) to minimize risk and maximize comfort. An ultrasonic scaler is used to remove plaque and tartar and careful attention is paid to each tooth both above and below the gum line. The teeth are then polished and given a fluoride treatment to protect the enamel surface.

With every dental procedure at Animal Hospital of Irvine, the pet goes home with a complimentary toothbrush and toothpaste and owners are instructed on the various aspects of home dental care. Regular brushing is most effective at preventing plaque and tartar buildup. In addition, there are edible treats for both dogs and cats that help break down the bacteria which cause periodontal disease. Please feel free to inquire about the various components of successful dental care for your pet.