Dental Care Services for Pets

At Animal Hospital of Oakville, we are big advocates for proper dental care in both cats and dogs. Dental disease is one of the most common illnesses veterinarians diagnose each year. Dental care should be prioritized as infections in the mouth can spread through your pet's bloodstream and cause lung disease, kidney infection, liver failure, and heart valve dysfunction. To keep your pet's teeth healthy, they should have regular brushing in addition to an annual professional dental cleaning.

What is dental disease?

Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, is what happens when your pet's oral health is not cared for properly. Each time your pet eats, food particles combine with saliva and bacteria to form plaque on their teeth. If plaque isn't removed, it hardens and eventually turns into tartar, which at that point can only be removed during a professional dental cleaning. Tartar causes their gum tissue to deteriorate, leading to receding gums, tooth decay, and sometimes tooth loss. Here are some signs that your pet may have periodontal disease:

1. Bad breath
2. Yellow or brown buildup on their teeth
3. Swollen gums
4. Difficulty chewing
5. Pawing at the face
6. Excessive drooling

What happens during my pet's dental cleaning?

For your pet's safety and comfort, professional cleanings are performed under anesthesia. When your pet is unconscious, our team can safely examine and clean their teeth especially the ones in the back. During the cleaning, we remove plaque/tartar and polish the surface of their teeth to keep them smooth and clean. The veterinarian will also discuss how to maintain good oral hygiene in-between visits. Our team can recommend hygiene products that can reduce your pet's risk of developing periodontal diseases such as oral sprays or rinses, water additives, hygiene chews and special toothbrushes and toothpaste that are pleasant for your loyal companion. Be sure to ask your veterinarian for their recommendations at the end of your pet's cleaning. To schedule your pet's annual dental cleaning, call us at 905-844-3331.