Regular dental care is vital to your pet’s health, and their quality of life. Like us, dogs and cats are prone to developing plaque and tartar buildup if they don’t have their teeth brushed. With time, this buildup can infect the gums and destroy the roots of the teeth. Luckily, prevention is possible with regular cat and dog teeth cleanings at our Ocoee, FL animal hospital, along with daily treatment provided by you at home. Starting early is the key to building a successful dental care routine for your pet, and we’re always happy to help!
If you need to get your pet started on a dental regimen, give us a call at (407) 656-6050.
How We Perform Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning Procedures
At Ocoee Animal Hospital, we approach teeth cleanings similar to how we approach surgeries. Because attempting to clean your pet’s teeth while they are awake can be both uncomfortable and unsafe for them, they will need to be put under general anesthesia. This allows our veterinary team to clean your pet’s teeth thoroughly and perform a close examination of the oral cavity.
When we clean the teeth, we:
- First examine the oral cavity to check for deep pockets in the gums, loose teeth, lumps, and other abnormalities
- To remove plaque and tartar, we use a combination of hand scaling and ultrasonic scaling to break down the hardened material
- We then polish the teeth to smooth the enamel and discourage future plaque and tartar buildup
- If we find a tooth that needs to be extracted, our team will contact you to obtain permission to remove it (your pet will be given the necessary pain relief medication to lessen their discomfort)
The best way to ensure fewer teeth cleanings is to begin brushing your pet’s teeth when they’re young and able to adjust quickly. For teeth brushing tips and other dental care recommendations, contact us at (407) 656-6050.