Dental Care
Pet Dental Care San Antonio, TX
Your pet’s teeth are as important as your own! That’s why we offer dentistry for cats & dogs. Heavy tartar can lead to red and inflamed gums that can lead to more serious infections and plaque formation. Plaque is 98% bacteria. After being swallowed, the bacteria can leave deposits on the liver, kidneys, and heart causing premature organ failure. We perform routine teeth cleanings to keep the plaque from becoming a problem. We can also extract teeth that need to be removed due to infection, take x-rays that help us analyze jaw bone health, and apply a barrier sealant to deter tartar from forming.
Imagine what your mouth would feel like if you never brushed your teeth or went to the dentist. For many dogs and cats, this is a painful reality. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by the age of 3. Dental (or periodontal) disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets.
Common signs of dental disease include:
- Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Changes in eating or chewing habits
- Pawing at the face
- Loose teeth
- Depression
Even if your dog or cat doesn’t have these symptoms, we recommend that you have a veterinarian evaluate your pet’s dental health at least once a year. Bacteria and food debris accumulate around the teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay can result in irreversible periodontal disease, tooth loss, and possibly expensive oral surgery.
Dental disease can also affect other organs in the body: Bacteria in the mouth can get into the bloodstream and cause serious infections in the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart. If these problems aren’t caught and treated quickly enough, they can result in death. A physical exam combined with appropriate laboratory work can determine if infection in the mouth has spread.
Schedule An Appointment
To make an appointment for a pet dental exam or cleaning, call us at (210) 494-3436.
