Routine Dental Care Improves Your Pet’s Quality of Life

Routine Dental Care Improves Your Pet’s Quality of Life

Your pet might seem healthy on the outside, but their mouth could tell an entirely different story. At Oak Hammock Animal Hospital, we always aim to educate owners on the benefits of in-home and professional dental care for their pets. Bad breath and discolored teeth are neither normal nor healthy, and could indicate something more serious, like dental (periodontal) disease. This condition, though common in cats and dogs, is easily preventable with routine care and veterinary visits.

Our hospital in Sebring offers comprehensive dentistry services and uses advanced dental equipment to provide your pet with the highest level of care at a reasonable cost. Your pet’s health and comfort are made a priority with every service we perform, and we will be happy to provide you with the information you need to make confident decisions regarding their oral health.

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Dental Services We Offer

Dental Services We Offer

We can utilize the following services to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy year after year:

  • Oral exams
  • Dental scaling – this procedure enables us to remove tough plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth while they are under general anesthesia
  • Dental radiology – if extractions are a possibility, we can take digital X-rays of your pet’s oral cavity to look for issues below the gum line
  • Extractions – the removal of broken, loose and/or decayed teeth
  • OraVet chews (for dogs only)

We would also be glad to discuss preventative care options such as brushing your pet's teeth and other options for supplementing your pet's oral care at home.

What is Dental Disease?

What is Dental Disease?

Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the combination of gingivitis (red, swollen gums) and periodontitis, which involves the deterioration of the tooth and its surrounding tissues. This condition can occur when minerals in the saliva cause plaque on the teeth to harden into calculus. If the calculus spreads below the gum line, it can secrete harmful bacteria and inflict damage on the teeth and gums.

If caught early in its development, dental disease can be treated and prevented from progressing into a more advanced stage. The key is knowing what symptoms could indicate the onset of dental disease, such as:

  • Loose, broken and/or discolored teeth
  • Excessive drooling
  • Red, inflamed gums
  • Bad breath
  • Swelling of the face/muzzle
  • Pawing at the face and mouth
  • Change in behavior
  • Reduced activity
  • Trouble chewing or holding onto food
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Should you observe any of these behaviors or conditions in your pet, we will need to conduct an oral exam to see if a cleaning or extractions will be necessary. With the quality of care we provide here in Sebring, we can help prevent the onset of dental disease in your pet and allow them to enjoy life to the fullest.