Dentistry

Your pet’s dental health begins with home care and, later in life, also includes professional dental cleanings under anesthesia.  Below is some helpful information about home dental care and professional dental cleanings.  If you have any questions about your pet’s dental health do not hesitate to ask Lesslie Animal Hospital staff.

WHY IS DENTAL HEALTH IMPORTANT?

• Food residue, bacteria, and saliva accumulate on teeth.

• Gums become irritated and painful to your pet.

• Teeth decay and can become infected making it very difficult for your pet to eat.

WHAT CAN YOU DO AT HOME TO AID IN YOUR PET’S DENTAL HEALTH?

• Aquadent is a water additive that can be poured into your pet’s water bowl.  This product helps fight plaque and freshen breath.

• Oravet Plaque Prevention Gel is a once weekly, easy alternative to brushing.  It takes as little as 60 seconds to apply and acts as a barrier keeping plaque from attaching to the teeth.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A DENTAL CLEANING?

• Blood work is done to check the kidney and liver, organs that process the anesthesia through your pet’s body.

• IV Fluid Therapy helps to regulate your pet’s blood pressure during anesthesia keeping your pet well hydrated throughout the procedure.

DENTAL CLEANING STEPS:

1.  Scaling–  Removes tartar from both above and below the gum line.

2.  Polishing-  Cleans the surface of the pet’s teeth and helps to reduce future buildup.

3.  Flushing– Removes the dislodged tartar and bacteria from the teeth.

4.  Oravet Barrier Sealant– Creates an invisible barrier that prevents plaque and tartar forming bacteria from attaching to the teeth.