Dental care

Proper dental care is important in keeping your pet healthy and happy. When your pet's teeth aren't clean, "doggy breath" is not the only problem that your cat or dog will face. Periodontal disease—caused by a build-up of bacteria and plaque on your pet's teeth and gums—can lead to more serious bacterial infections that can eventually damage the liver, kidneys, heart and other organs.

Pets have dental disease just like you do. Many of these problems can be avoided by bringing your pet to your veterinarian for regular dental check-ups and dental cleanings. Bad breath and / or reddened gums are usually signs of dental problems.

Some Signs of Dental Problems include:

Bad breath – one of the first signs of dental disease
A yellowish-brown crust of plaque on the teeth near the gum line
Red and swollen gums
Pain or bleeding when your pet eats or when the mouth or gums are touched
Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
Loose or missing teeth

Our hospital provides full dental cleanings for your pet, along with tooth extractions and other oral surgery procedures. During a routine dental cleaning, your pet will be placed under anesthesia. Your pet's teeth will be scaled, removing all of the tartar and plaque, and then polished. A veterinarian will then examine your pet's teeth and oral cavity. Flouride is then applied inside the mouth, after which your pet's mouth is rinsed, leaving it fresh and clean. Following a dental cleaning, our veterinarians will also provide you with instructions on how to care for your pet's teeth at home.

South Wilton Veterinary Group now offers dental x-rays, in order to better clean and treat your pet's teeth. Please ask our veterinarians for information about dental x-rays.

Home prevention

Dental care does not end with a visit to your veterinarian. You need to continue your veterinarian's good work at home. Brushing your pet's teeth is an important part of home dental care. The staff at South Wilton Veterinary Group can show you the proper method of brushing your pet's teeth.