Veterinary Services in Libertyville, IL
Dental Care & Oral Surgery
Bad breath in pets is often a sign of a greater issue than what is commonly referred to as “doggy breath.” In fact, bad breath in pets often indicates a deeper pet dental issue: an unhealthy mouth! Bacteria cause bad breath in the oral cavity, which leads to the buildup of tartar and plaque on the surfaces of teeth, and eventually, dental disease.
What are the signs of pet dental disease?
When your pet’s dental condition has begun to deteriorate, it’s important to watch for the signs of dental disease in the oral cavity. Signs of dental disease may include bad breath, discomfort while chewing, drooling, loose teeth, missing teeth, and reddened gums.
Professional Pet Dental Care
Keeping your pet’s mouth clean and healthy is an important part of keeping the rest of their body healthy. Poor oral health has been linked directly to other health conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, and more. The best way to ensure that your pet’s mouth remains healthy is through ongoing cat and dog teeth cleaning and dental care at our Libertyville animal hospital.
A professional pet dental visit consists of an examination of your pet’s mouth, teeth, and gums to identify any underlying issues. Depending on our findings, we may prescribe a more detailed evaluation to be performed under anesthesia, a professional cat or dog teeth cleaning, and an at-home oral care regimen. Our comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment under general anesthesia include full-mouth radiographs, dental charting, extractions with nerve blocks if necessary, scaling, and polish. Typically, we can determine if a dental cleaning is necessary during a regularly scheduled appointment.
The Importance of Pet Dental Care
Pet dental health should never be neglected. The health of your pet’s mouth has a direct effect on their overall physical health as well as their longevity! At our animal hospital in Libertyville, pet dental care is one of our most important concerns. We strive to provide each pet with complete dental care to ensure that our patients are heading down the right path to complete health.
At-home dental care is extremely important. When it comes to brushing teeth, water additives, or treats, GTAH recommends VOHC-approved products.
If your pet has bad breath or any of the other signs of dental disease, or if they are due for an annual checkup, please contact our team. We’ll be happy to schedule a visit for you and your four-legged friend.