Pet Gum Disease Treatment and Dental Work

Get Your Pet's Teeth Cleaned

When was the last time you had your pet’s teeth cleaned? According to the AVMA, pets who have never had a teeth cleaning have signs of dental disease by the time they are 3 years old. For that reason, Acre Hill Veterinary Clinic recommends that all pets have a yearly dental cleaning and oral examination. Schedule an appointment today.

Gum Disease in Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats are prone to developing the same types of dental diseases and problems as humans including gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, staining, and cavities. The process of dental decay and disease starts every time your pet eats.

When your pet eats, food particles get on their teeth and gums. This fuels the bacteria in your pet’s mouth, causing an acid attack on the enamel of their teeth and creating a sticky, clear substance called plaque. If the plaque is left on teeth, it hardens into tartar. When plaque and tartar are left on your pet’s teeth for an extended period of time, it can lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease, cavities, and oral infections.

Signs of Dental Disease in Pets

To detect potential oral health problems in pets, you must be vigilant in noticing changes in behavior. This is because pets often do not act like they are in pain until the pain is severe. If you notice any of the signs below, it is important that you contact us to schedule a dental checkup, teeth cleaning, and gum disease treatment.

• Broken or loose teeth
• Discomfort while eating
• Extremely bad breath
• Pussy or bloody drool
• Red gums
• Staining on the teeth
• Swollen or inflamed gums
• Weight loss or loss of appetite
  

The Hazards of Untreated Periodontal Disease

Pet Dental Cleanings in Rantoul

We recommend that all dogs and cats receive their first dental checkup shortly after they are weaned and at least once a year for every year of their lives. Pet dental checkups include an examination of your pet’s head, neck, face, ears, and mouth to check for signs of health problems.

Once the basic examination is complete, we'll schedule an appointment to completely clean all the plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth and below the gum line. To learn more about our veterinary dental services and how we can protect the health of your pet, call us at (217) 215-1075.