February is National Dental Health Month...save $75.00 !!!!

Dental disease is truly a disease. Many people think if their pet has rotten teeth, the only thing they will suffer is rotten breath. This is not the case. February is national Pet Dental Awareness Month. The purpose of this month is to inform pet owners that good dental hygiene is very important.

Basics of Dental Disease

First, let’s discuss the basics of dental disease. The early stage will start with some tartar and plaque buildup on the teeth and along the gum line. If left undisturbed, the tartar will irritate the gums and cause infection, known as gingivitis. Over time, the infection will become more severe, invading deeper into the gums. This is known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease will continue to progress unless treated.

If periodontal disease continues to progress, the bacteria causing the infection can enter the bloodstream and infect many areas of the body. This type of infection will often lead to heart or kidney disease. If the organ damage is severe enough, death may occur.

Basic Prevention of Dental Disease

Now that you understand how serious dental disease can become, let’s discuss some basic prevention. The first step is to treat dental disease early. Early treatment starts at home. The goal is to slow the formation of plaque and tartar. This can be done with brushing (using a toothpaste safe for pets) or the use of special foods that are designed to scrub the surface of the teeth. This food is available in many diets or treats.

Once the plaque and tartar are formed, they will need to be removed by scaling the teeth. Scaling of the teeth usually involves sedation and the use of a dental cleaning device to aid in removal of tartar and plaque.

If the dental disease has progressed to periodontal disease, more extensive treatments such as antibiotics or even tooth extractions may be necessary. Most cases of dental disease can be improved with the right type of treatment.

Remember, we make it our mission to save dogs/cats like yours from the terrible pain and suffering that periodontal disease can cause.

We offer $75.00 off your pet’s dental in the month of February, so give us a call. 770-419-8086