Pet Dental Care at Our Animal Hospital in Hayward
Pets use their mouths for everything from chewing food to carrying their favorite toys around, so their dental health is a major factor in their everyday lives. You can help your beloved pet maintain optimal dental and oral health by turning to Caring Animal Hospital. Our animal hospital in Hayward CA can provide everything from preventative dental care to surgical treatment of serious problems.
Why Pet Dentistry Matters
If you think of pet dentistry is a relatively minor aspect of your pet’s well-being and quality of life, think again. Pets can have just as much trouble with their teeth, gums, jaws and oral cavity as we humans can — and the trouble can take the same forms. For example, periodontal disease isn’t just a concern for the human members of your family; more than half of all pets display some degree of this progressive ailment by the time they’re well into adulthood. Periodontal disease starts when tartar buildup acts as a food source for bacteria, stimulating an inflammatory reaction that damages the teeth, jawbone and connective tissues. As a result, your pet may have too much dental pain to chew properly (or at all, if he starts losing teeth to the disease).
Infections and injuries can also plague animal’s mouths. If you’ve ever had an abscessed tooth, you know how agonizing this condition can be. It’s also potentially dangerous, since the bacteria in the tooth can find their way to vital organs. Cracked or broken teeth are especially vulnerable to infection. Last but not least, oral cancer is a very real threat to your pet’s health and even his life. This cancer can be hard for owners to spot, and it can spread quickly.
From Teeth Cleaning to Tooth Extractions
Our Hayward animal hospital serves as a one-stop shop for your pet’s dental needs. Preventative care is the smartest place to start. Our veterinarian in Hayward recommends annual dental evaluations for most pets — at least until they reach their senior years, at which point more frequent exams may be advisable. We can X-ray the teeth to look for hidden infections, observe the teeth directly and check for early signs of periodontal disease. Teeth cleaning under anesthesia removes the tartar that encourages oral bacteria. We can also identify oral cancer tumors in their earliest stages.
Our Hayward animal hospital can treat a wide range of dental and oral problems. we may prescribe antibiotics, for example, to resolve a minor infection. Tooth extractions may be necessary for seriously infected, painful and/or broken teeth. Our veterinarian in Hayward can also use surgery to remove oral cancer tumors and repair jaw injuries.
Our Hayward Veterinarian Is Ready to Administer Pet Dental Care
New patients receive a free consultation at Caring Pet Hospital, so if your pet is due for dental care, there’s no time like the present. Call (510) 537-1788 to schedule pet dentistry with our Hayward veterinarian!
As a pet owner, you may have heard that cats and dogs need regular pet dental care in order to remain healthy and prevent potentially dangerous oral infections. Our Hayward veterinarian has taken the time to answer some of the questions we receive each day from our loving pet owners.
What is pet dentistry?
Pet dentistry involves examining your pet’s mouth, teeth and gums for abnormalities, gingivitis, periodontal disease, loose teeth, cavities and infections. If any infections, abnormalities or gum disease is detected, our veterinarian will recommend a course of treatment to correct the problem and restore your pet’s oral health.
What is a pet teeth cleaning?
A pet teeth cleaning is much like the cleaning you would receive from your dentist. It involves scraping all the plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth and below the gumline. This helps prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease as well as abscesses and oral infections that can be life-threatening.
How often should I have my pet’s teeth cleaned?
Our veterinary dentist recommends having your pet’s teeth cleaned at least once a year. You can schedule your pet’s first dental examination and teeth cleaning as soon as your pet is weened. Then, you will need to have your pet’s mouth examined and teeth cleaned at least once a year until he or she is a senior. Senior pets should have their teeth cleaned twice a year.
How do gingivitis and periodontal disease affect my pet’s health?
Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. If the gingivitis is not caught in a timely manner, it can progress to periodontal disease, which can cause gum and mouth infections as well as abscesses and loose teeth. If the gum and mouth infections are not treated, the bacteria can enter your pet’s bloodstream, causing a severe infection.
How can I tell if my pet has an oral health problem?
If your pet has an oral health problem, you may notice excessive drooling or drool that contains blood and puss. Your pet may also paw at his or her mouth and refuse to eat. You will also notice that your pet has extremely bad breath. If you notice any of these signs, you should schedule an appointment with our Hayward veterinarian.
Do you offer tooth extractions?
We do offer tooth extractions. If our pet dentist notices any loose or severely decayed teeth, they will need to be removed in order to preserve your pet’s oral and overall health.
