Alpine Animal Hospital, Laramie WY

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Dental plaque, which is composed of bacteria, saliva, and cellular debris, builds up on the enamel of the teeth. When plaque accumulates with food particles, it becomes hard, thick, yellow (or calcified) and is called tartar.

Tartar becomes evident on many Pets' teeth by the time they're 2 to 3 years old. If it's not removed, tartar causes red, inflamed, infected, and painful gums (gingivitis), bad breath (halitosis), and periodontal (gum) disease, which leads to pain and tooth loss. The bacterial infection can also spread through the bloodstream to other organs in the body, including the heart, kidneys, and liver, causing chronic disease or life-threatening infections.

Be sure to seek care for your Pet if you notice any of these signs of dental disease:

Bad breath
Decreased appetite/pain when chewing
Weight loss
Yellow teeth
Red or swollen gums
Missing teeth
Nasal Discharge
Tearing or swelling below one eye

Food
Feeding your Pet a firm, kibbled, premium Pet food is an easy way to help slow down plaque formation through a mechanical abrasive action. Special "foods," such as Science Diet T/D, have been specially designed to help keep teeth clean.

Chew Toys
Appropriate chew toys are another fun and easy way to prevent tartar, and AAH has a wide variety of toys to choose from! Numerous products are available, just consult your veterinarian about the best products for you Pet.

Brushing Teeth
One of the best ways to prevent tartar is to brush your Pet's teeth. Yes, this is possible, especially if you make it a fun experience early in life, and brushing can be an enjoyable part of your Pet's healthcare routine. Your veterinarian can show you how to brush you Pet's teeth and can recommend toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouth rinses that are made especially for Pets.

Exams and Cleanings
Your Pet needs regular dental exams and professional cleanings just like you do. Frequency of cleanings depends on each Pet's individual needs, so be sure to consult your AAH veterinarian at least once every six months. If you notice bad breath or other signs of dental disease, call for an appointment or bring your Pet in immediately.

Unfortunately, Pets won't say "aah." A thorough exam and cleaning of your Pet's teeth requires anesthesia. Before we begin, we examine your Pet and evaluate the bloodwork. If the doctor identifies any potential problems, the procedure may be postponed until after your Pet receives care to reduce or resolve the risk.

We are committed to providing the safest, highest quality care for your Pet. Just like your own dentist, we use special instruments and ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque and tartar. If any teeth are fractured or damaged, we may refer you to a veterinary dental specialist. Severely diseased teeth often must be extracted.

Polishing, antiseptic rinsing, and fluoride treatments limit the formation of new plaque and fortify the teeth. Depending on your Pet's age and the severity of gum disease, antibiotic treatment may be needed to heal gums and keep infection from harming your Pet's internal organs. After the procedure, it may be necessary to leave your Pet overnight for observation and recovery and to give your Pet pain medication for a few days.

Remember, prevention is the best cure! See your AAH veterinarian regularly, and offer your Pet good dental care at home.

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