Gingivitis refers to gum inflammation. This occurs when bacteria from plaque and tartar are secreted below the gum line, making gums sensitive and inflamed.
Periodontal disease is what happens if gingivitis isn’t treated. Bacteria from tartar begins to break down gum tissues and in time, bone, roots, and even the jawbone.
When your pet’s teeth are impacted by dental disease, they are not nearly as strong and can become loosened and/or cracked, and may even fall out!
Tooth resorption is common in cats, and the cause of it is unknown. When it occurs, certain cells are “turned on” and start eating away at the teeth. It’s a painful process and best treated if caught early!
If dental disease is left untreated, the bacteria in the mouth can actually enter your pet’s bloodstream and affect vital organs like the heart, liver and kidneys, causing irreversible damage.
Dental diseases in cats and dogs develop in a similar way to human dental diseases. Plaque and tartar, which harbor bacteria, build up on your pet’s teeth. Over time, the bacteria can cause bad breath, discoloration, and inflammation. Here are some of the more serious problems dogs and cats face with dental disease:
A teeth cleaning procedure requires general anesthesia for your pet’s safety (and because most cats and dogs won’t tolerate a hand in their mouth for very long!). To ensure their safety, we’ll perform an exam and pre-anesthetic blood work to check that they don’t have any underlying conditions that could interfere with anesthesia. Once they’re cleared, we’ll administer the anesthesia and begin the procedure:
