Dental Diseases in Pets

Pets can get dental diseases just as people can, so regular pet dental care is vital to maintaining your pet’s overall health and well-being. These diseases can lead to tooth loss, more significant health problems, or behavioral issues like aggression. Dental cleanings are a crucial part of preventive care for your pet. Fairview Veterinary Hospital in Independence, MO, offers dental care services to keep your pet healthy and happy. Our animal hospital is here to tell you about dental diseases in pets and how we can treat them.

Types of Dental Diseases in Pets

Dogs and cats can develop different kinds of diseases that affect their gums or teeth. Periodontal disease is a common dental disease that occurs when bacteria invade the gums. This disease can lead to tooth loss and other health problems in more advanced stages. Plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth can result in tooth decay. This buildup can also increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. Tooth fractures and oral infections are other tooth and gum problems your pet may have.

Signs and Symptoms of Pet Dental Diseases

How do you know if your pet has dental problems? Your pet might have trouble eating if its teeth or gums are sore or if its teeth are becoming loose from advanced gum disease. You might also see plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth. Other signs of dental diseases in pets include missing teeth, bad breath, and excessive drooling. Pets might also exhibit behavioral issues and aggression due to pain from dental diseases. 

Diagnosing Dental Diseases in Pets

Our veterinarian can examine your pet’s teeth and gums at our animal hospital for signs of dental diseases. We can also take X-rays for a better look at the inside of your pet’s teeth, jawbone, and gums. We can then create a dental care treatment plan for your pet once we make a diagnosis.

Dental Disease Treatment in Pets

Your pet might need tooth extractions, root canals, or other procedures for dental diseases. These treatments help eliminate infections and prevent more severe complications. Preventative pet care through professional dental cleanings helps lower your pet’s risk of periodontal disease, tooth decay, or other dental diseases. Our veterinarian can clean and examine your pet’s teeth and gums once a year or more often if needed. You can also brush your pet’s teeth at home to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

Get Pet Dental Care You Can Trust in Independence, MO

Your pet’s dental health is pivotal to its overall health and well-being, so contact Fairview Veterinary Hospital in Independence, MO, to get the dental care your pet needs to maintain a happy and healthy life. We can examine your pet’s teeth, clean them, or provide other dental care as needed. Call us and schedule an appointment today at (816) 257-5454.