Our veterinarian at All Creatures Animal Clinic is your pet’s primary health care provider. This means that he is also your pet’s dentist. Dr. Barker recommends annual dental exams and cleanings for dogs and cats to promote good health and well-being. Dental services that we provide include exams, cleaning, tooth extractions, and at-home dental care consultations.
One of the most common medical conditions that we see at our hospital is dental disease. More than two-thirds of dogs have some degree of dental disease by age 3. Small breeds and those with short snouts are more likely to develop dental disease at an even earlier age due to their smaller jaws and crowding of teeth.
Dental disease initially develops when animals eat, and food gets stuck in their teeth. This trapped food gets digested by bacteria in the mouth and plaque starts to form. Gingivitis develops resulting in infection and inflammation of the gums. Plaque hardens on the surface of the teeth and pushes below the gum line causing a more serious infection of the teeth, root, and gums known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease leads to loose teeth, bone loss, abscesses, and bacteria releasing into the bloodstream. These bacteria spread throughout the body and can damage the heart, kidneys, and liver.
The best prevention against periodontal disease is regular professional dental cleanings and a good daily home dental care program. You can help prevent serious dental problems by making sure that your pet receives dental exams during annual health visits.
Signs of periodontal disease include:
- • Pawing or rubbing at the mouth
- • Drooling
- • Decreased appetite
- • Change in eating habits
- • Bad breath
- • Bleeding from the mouth
- • Aggressive behavior
If you notice your pet having any of these symptoms, it’s possible that periodontal disease is already in advanced stages. Call today for a dental evaluation for your pet. We offer treatment to pets in Jasper, Sumiton, Double Springs, Oakman, and the surrounding counties.