Dental health is a very important part of your pets overall health.  The accumulation of plaque and tartar on your pet's teeth leads to gingivitis, a painful gum infection.  If left untreated, gingivitis progresses under the gum line to infect the support structures of the teeth called the periodontum.  Periodontitis, or infection of the periodontum, leads to weakening of the teeth and eventually tooth loss.  In addition to tooth loss, dental infections allow bacteria from the plaque to enter the blood stream were they can lodge in the kidneys, liver, lungs or on heart valves.  These tiny infections can eventually lead to heart, liver, or kidney failure and may contribute to many respiratory problems.

So, what can you do to prevent dental disease in your pet?  Brush your pet's teeth daily.  Brushing helps remove the plaque and prevent tartar and infection.  The Gaffney Animal Hospital carries a variety of products for at home care of your pet's teeth.  Our staff is happy to assist you in selecting the right products for you and demonstrating the proper way to use them.  Many clients are surprised at how easy these products are to use and how readily their pets accept them.

But even with the most diligent at home care, pets occasionally need a professional dental cleaning.  Scaling and polishing of the teeth remove plaque and tartar.  Gum infections can also be treated.  Scaling and polishing are done under general anesthesia for the pet's comfort and to allow us to detect hidden problems that may not be apparent on an awake patient.

Did you know that 60% of dental problems are hidden below the gumline and cannot be seen?  Dental x-rays help detect  problems with the teeth and bones.  This helps us formulate a plan to keep your pet's teeth as healthy as possible.  Sometimes this requires extraction of a diseased tooth.  Sometimes it means an advanced dental procedure, such as a root canal.  The Gaffney Animal Hospital is equiped with the tools and materials necessary for many of these procedures.

If your pet has foul breath, chews only on one side of the mouth, has lost teeth in the past, or is reluctant to chew hard food or treats, he may already have a dental problem.  Call our office for a dental evaluation appointment today.