Physical Examination
Your pet’s oral health starts with a thorough veterinary examination conducted in several stages:
- Before anesthesia: The veterinarian checks facial symmetry, evaluates chewing muscles, and examines lymph nodes beneath the jaw for pain, swelling, or abnormalities.
- During anesthesia: Before intubation, the pharynx, larynx, tonsils, and soft palate are inspected.
- Once unconscious: A comprehensive exam includes inspecting the tongue, gums, teeth, and oral mucosa to identify any abnormalities.
The animal’s mouth is then rinsed with an antiseptic chlorhexidine solution to reduce bacteria. Dental X-rays may be taken to identify hidden issues like tooth root abnormalities.
Home Dental Care
After professional pet dental cleaning, maintaining good oral hygiene at home is essential. Recommendations include:
Mechanical Methods:
- Daily tooth brushing using pet-specific toothpaste.
- Specialized kibble high in abrasive fibers or dental health toys.
Chemical Methods:
- Adding dental gels or water additives.
Daily brushing is the most effective method to prevent periodontal disease, removing plaque before it hardens into tartar. Remember, plaque forms within 12 hours and begins mineralizing within 24 to 48 hours.
Professional Pet Dental Cleaning
During clinical dental cleaning, several steps ensure thorough results:
- Manual pre-cleaning: Large tartar deposits are manually removed with curettes.
- Ultrasonic scaling: Ultrasonic equipment removes plaque and tartar layers.
- Precision manual cleaning: Dental grooves inaccessible to ultrasound are cleaned manually.
- Rinse and inspection: Once clean, the veterinarian uses an explorer and periodontal probe to inspect dental structures.
- Polishing: Teeth are polished to smooth microscopic imperfections and slow plaque formation.
Tooth Extractions
Extractions are necessary in cases such as:
- Severe periodontitis or dental abscesses.
- Tooth fractures or dental resorption.
- Supernumerary (extra) or misaligned teeth.
After extraction, stitches close the cavity to prevent infections. If the root is fused to the bone and cannot be extracted, part of the tooth is removed, and the gum tissue covers it.
Conclusion
Professional dental cleaning is crucial to preventing dental diseases and ensuring your pet’s wellbeing. However, it must be complemented by regular at-home dental care. Consult your veterinarian to develop a personalized dental care plan for your pet.
