3515 Lawrence Street ~ Clemmons, NC ~ 27012 ~ 336.778.2738

Dental Month!
Schedule your pet's appointment now
and save $20.00!

Dental disease is the number one health problem in dogs and cats. Dental disease is especially prevalent in small or toy breed dogs. Bacteria, plaque and tartar can build up on your dog and cat's teeth causing bleeding gums with tooth loss which can lead to infection. Once in the bloodstream, these infections can affect the heart, kidneys, liver and other internal organs. Periodontal disease is more common as pets grow older.

Be sure a thorough oral examination is a regular part of the routine physical for your pet. Just like you, your pet needs dental care too, professional care from your veterinarian and home care from you to keep plaque removed. Daily brushing and feeding special foods can help.

Plaque is a colorless film that contains large amounts of bacteria. If left unchecked, plaque builds up, creating infection, destroying gums and resulting in the loss of the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

Signs of periodontal disease are bad breath, yellow-brown crust on teeth, bleeding gums, tooth loss, subdued behavior, abnormal drooling, change of chewing habits, dropping food out of the mouth, swallowing food whole and going to the bowl, but not eating. Once your pet displays any of the warning signs, serious periodontal disease may be present. Don't wait for these signs. Start a preventive program of veterinarian-supervised dental care today.

Ultrasonic cleaning of a cat's teeth.

Images of a dog's teeth before and after ultrasoniic cleaning.

Jaw Radiograph

Dental Radiograph

Tips on brushing your pet's teeth

Introduce a brushing program gradually and early; training may take several days or weeks. At first, dip your finger into beef bouillon for a dog or tuna water for a cat and rub your finger over the pet's mouth and teeth. Make these sessions brief and positive.

Introduce gauze on your finger with the same beef or tuna flavor and begin rubbing the teeth in a circular motion.

Before starting with a soft bristle toothbrush, put a small amount of toothpaste designed for pets on your finger and allow the pet to taste it.

Finally, apply a small dab of pet toothpaste on a moist toothbrush and allow you pet to lick bristles. Begin brushing at a 45 degree angle away from the gumline.

PLEASE NOTE: Toothpaste designed for people contains ingredients that may upset your pet's stomach.