Signs Your Pet’s Mouth Isn’t Healthy
When dogs and cats eat, food debris sticks to their teeth. This material turns into plaque and tartar, which can become difficult to remove and a potential risk for oral infection. When tartar gets under the gums, it can release infectious bacteria into your pet’s mouth. This bacteria causes gingivitis, which, without treatment, can turn into periodontal disease, eventually breaking down gum tissue and the roots of the teeth.
Signs of these problems, which are not always obvious, include:
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen gums
- Excessive drooling
- Dropping food when eating
- Brown/yellow discoloration and buildup along the gums
- Difficulty chewing (such as chewing on one side)
- Bloody saliva
- Avoiding chew toys
- Rubbing or pawing at the face
How We Do Cat and Dog Teeth Cleanings in Boiling Springs and Spartanburg, SC
At Pet’s Favorite Vet, cat and dog teeth cleanings are always done with the patient under anesthesia. This ensures safety, comfort, and a thorough cleaning. Steps we take to clean your pet’s teeth and treat periodontal disease include:
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Dental X-rays
Taking dental X-rays to assess and understand your pet’s oral health below the gum line, where we tend to find most problems.
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Pre-anesthetic Exam
Performing a pre-anesthetic exam to evaluate your pet’s organ health and minimize risk during anesthesia.
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Dental Check
Checking your pet’s mouth for loose/broken teeth, abscesses, strange lumps/bumps, and other problems.
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Teeth Cleaning
Cleaning your pet’s teeth from crown to root using ultrasonic and hand scaling tools designed to remove stubborn plaque and tartar.
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Dental Extractions (if needed)
Performing any necessary dental extractions to remove loose/broken/infected teeth.