Pet Dentistry
Protect your pet’s health with dental exams and cleanings at Highland’s Pet Medical Clinic. Prevent pain, infection, and tooth loss.
Pet Dentistry in Austin, TX
Oral and dental health is one of the most critical aspects of your pet’s overall health. Annual dental cleanings and polishing are recommended (just like humans) and should start at an early age. Dental disease (periodontal disease) is the most common clinical condition occurring in adult dogs and cats and is entirely preventable. Unfortunately, there are often few signs of the disease process evident to the owner other than bad breath. Professional dental cleaning and periodontal therapy often comes too late to prevent extensive disease or to save teeth. As a result, periodontal disease is usually under-treated, may cause multiple problems in the oral cavity, and may be associated with damage to internal organs in some patients as they age.
The Impact of Periodontal Disease on Your Pet’s Health and Warning Signs to Watch
Untreated, periodontal disease can also cause tooth abscess, gum infections, and/or bone loss: all of which can be painful for your pet to experience and costly to manage. Studies in humans have linked periodontal disease to a variety of health problems, including poor control of diabetes mellitus and increased severity of diabetic complications. Additionally, it has been shown that diabetes is a risk factor for periodontal disease.
Symptoms of poor oral health
- Bad breath
- Changes in eating or chewing behavior
- Abnormal drooling
- Brownish-yellow crust on teeth
- Gums bleeding
- Tooth loss
- Change in behavior
Schedule a Dental Exam to Protect Your Pet’s Health
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, they should be examined by one of our veterinarians to fully assess any issues and develop a plan for treatment. At Highland’s Pet Medical Clinic, we are here for all of your pet’s dental needs. Call us today to schedule a dental exam!