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Dental Care for Your Pet

Dental care is vital to the overall health of any animal. Dental disease leads to health issues with the heart, liver, and kidneys, and can affect the entire body through the bloodstream. In fact, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats over three years of age suffer from some form of dental disease, making it the most common pet health issue among our pet population in Compton, CA.

In spite of these disturbing facts, many pet owners are not aware of the importance of dental care to their pet’s health. There are a lot of different ways to improve your pet’s dental hygiene, including home brushing, dental chews, and regular inspection.

Your Guide To

Your Pet's Dental Care

The most effective way to protect your pet from dental disease is through professional cleanings. We perform thorough cleanings, including the area beneath the gums that you can’t see or access at home.

If your pet has brown/yellow teeth, bad breath, or is having difficulty eating, these could all be signs of dental disease. Please call us today to learn more and schedule your pet’s dental cleaning.

What Does Cleaning Include?

  • Cleaning services can include the following:
  • Removing visible tartar and plaque
  • Cleaning out tartar and plaque under the gum
  • Probing for signs of disease
  • Polishing teeth to smooth scratches that could attract bacteria
  • Taking X-rays
  • Applying a dental sealer
  • If necessary, repair or remove infected or fractured teeth that the exam has revealed
  • Inspecting the tongue, lips and mouth
  • Making a dental chart

The Importance of Cleaning

A professional pet teeth cleaning involves more than just removing accumulated plaque and tartar. It’s also an opportunity for the veterinarian to find out what’s going on in your pet’s mouth, including problems that are not visible to the naked eye.

Your pet will be put under general anesthesia during the cleaning, to ensure that it can be as thorough as necessary. A tube will be placed in its throat to support breathing and to ensure that your pet does not inhale bacteria released during the cleaning.

Maintaining Dental Health

Home care can extend the benefits of cleaning. This can include daily brushing, rinses and oral sprays, and food and treats that prevent plaque formation. The staff at Affordable Animal Hospital in Compton can give you guidance regarding these practices.

Removing Teeth

The roots of the teeth of dogs and cats go deep into surrounding bone. In fact, extracting them is more difficult than extracting human teeth.

Your pet will be given anesthetic for the procedure. Once the tooth is removed, the socket from which it came will be surgically closed. This will speed healing and reduce any pain.

When You’re Home

Your pet should be able to resume eating after a procedure. There will not be significant pressure on the gums due to the tendency of carnivores to “grab and gulp” rather than chewing. For more information about this procedure and more, contact us today about your pet’s dental hygiene.

Affordable Animal Hospital

1040 S. Long Beach Blvd
Compton, CA 90221

Tel:
(323) 894-7945

Hours:
Mon-Sat: 8:45-6:00pm
By appointment only


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