Veterinary Dentistry at Tulare Veterinary Hospital
Dental care plays a vital part in your pet’s wellness care, and our professional dental treatments are among the most common services that we provide for dogs and cats. At Tulare Veterinary Hospital, we will perform a dental examination during your pet’s annual wellness exam. Our professional dental cleanings include:
- Dental digital radiographs
- A complete oral dental examination
- Hand scaling and ultrasonic scaling
- Detailed polishing
- Tooth extractions, if necessary
Our veterinarians also recommend regular home care to prevent the buildup of plaque on your pet’s teeth. Brushing your pet’s teeth every day will reduce or eliminate plaque buildup. Plaque can progress to periodontitis, which is characterized by pockets of chronic infection, oral pain, and severe infections. If left untreated, it will eventually loosen and destroy the teeth, possibly leading to bone loss. An infection under the gum line can also potentially spread to the liver, kidneys, and heart.
Common signs of dental disease in pets include:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Discoloration and/or buildup of tartar on teeth
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Your pet doesn’t allow you to touch him or her around the mouth
- Red, inflamed, irritated gums
If your dog or cat shows signs of dental disease, please call us at (559) 686-8544 to arrange for a professional dental exam for your pet.