As in people, our pets develop disease of the teeth, gums and mouth. Pets even with severe disease often do not exhibit any abnormal symptoms, except perhaps some very stinky breath. Bacteria from gum disease enters the blood stream and can do damage to the heart, kidneys and liver. Tumors in the mouth have a higher incidence of being cancerous than those in other areas.
For these reasons it is important to have your veterinarian do a thorough oral exam every 6 months. It is also important that when your pet needs to have a dental scaling and polishing done, that it be done under general anesthesia, so a complete oral exam and an effective job of scaling below the gum line and between the teeth be done. A partial cleaning or cleaning without high speed polishing just creates an environment more susceptible to further bacteria development.
February is Pet Dental Health Month. Call us today to schedule your pet's oral examination.