Why Your Pet Should Get a Routine Dental Cleaning

Have you ever noticed an unwelcome odor coming from your pets mouth? This odor can be an indication of disease.

Stage I Gingivitis


Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue. It results in redness, swelling, and dental plaque. At this stage gingivitis can be treated and cured by getting a routine cleaning and maintaining teeth and gum health by brushing your pets teeth. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease.

Stage II Periodontal Disease


Entire attached gum is inflamed and swollen. Mouth is painful and the dogs breath will begin to smell bad. At this stage periodontal disease can be treated but not cured. However, by getting a routine cleaning and maintaining teeth and gum health at home by brushing your pets teeth you can prevent the disease from progressing.

Stage III Periodontal Disease


Gums are cherry red and bleeding. The attached gingiva is being destroyed by infection and tartar. Bad breath is present and eating has become painful. There will be detachment of the gingivia and bone loss will begin to occur. At this stage periodontal disease can be treatesd but not cured. However, by getting a routine cleaning and maintaining teeth and gum health at home by brushing your pets teeth you can prevent the disease from progressing.

Stage IV Periodontal Disease


Chronic bacteria infection is present; it is destroying the gum, tooth, and bone. At this stage bacteria may be spreading throughout the body via the blood stream, this can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and heart.

How can you prevent this?

We recommend brushing your pets teeth at least once a week, yes, cats too! There are many canine and feline friendly dental products including beef and chicken flavored toothopaste. DO NOT use human toothpaste to brush your pets teeth as it is toxic for dogs and cats. There are two types of toothbruses. Some have handles on them just like human toothbrushes and the other type fits right over your index finger. brushing their teeth will help to remove plaque build-up but it will not remove tartar. For this recommend a yearly dental cleaning done at the clinic.

Here are a few before and after pictures of our patients!