Although periodontal disease is a common condition in pets, it shouldn’t just be accepted. With proper dental care, your pet can avoid developing gum disease and other dental issues. At Lakeville Animal Hospital, serving pet owners in the Lakeville and Middleborough areas, we offer comprehensive pet dental services to preserve your pet’s oral health. Let’s look at what you should know about periodontal disease and how to protect your pet against it.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a severe infection of your pet’s gums and teeth which can lead to tooth loss. Poor dental care can lead to plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth. This buildup breeds bacteria which triggers gum inflammation and eats away at the bone structure of your pet’s teeth, resulting in tooth loss.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
The following are some common symptoms of this condition:
- Foul breath
- Discolored teeth
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Excessive drooling
- Loose teeth
- Difficulty chewing which may lead to reduced eating
If you notice these symptoms in your pet, contact your veterinarian for a checkup. Prompt treatment of gum disease could help save your pet’s teeth.
Prevention of Periodontal Disease
Annual pet dental exams and teeth cleanings are the keys to keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy and free of periodontal disease. During the dental exam, the veterinarian will inspect your pet’s teeth and gums for signs of inflammation and bleeding. We will take x-rays to examine the bone structure under the gum line to ensure it is healthy and whole.
Teeth cleanings involve scaling your pet’s teeth to eliminate plaque and tartar and polishing them to leave them smooth and shiny. These services are performed under anesthesia to keep your pet still and calm during the dental procedure. Sedating your pet ensures he or she experiences no pain and allows our team to do a thorough job of inspecting and cleaning your pet’s teeth.
See Our Veterinarians in Lakeville for Pet Dental Care
For pet dental care services you can trust, contact Lakeville Animal Hospital. We provide quality pet dental care for pet owners in Lakeville and the Middleborough areas. Call our team today at (508) 947-1309 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.