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Keeping your pet’s mouth clean and healthy is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, making it the perfect time to prioritize your pet’s dental health.
Because so many pets – over 80% of dogs and cats over age 3 – have some form of periodontal dental disease, professional dental cleanings, combined with at-home care, are the best way to keep dental and oral issues at bay.
At Westfield Veterinary Group, dental care involves the following:
- A pre-anesthetic exam to ensure your pet is healthy for anesthesia
- Pre-anesthetic blood work to assess your pet’s organ health
- A complete oral exam, with careful assessment of each tooth
- Detailed cleaning (scaling) both above and under the gumline
- Radiographs (X-rays) to assess tooth structures below the gumline
- Any extractions or oral surgery needed
- Polishing of teeth to minimize rough surfaces that bacteria can cling to
- Complete pain management before, during, and after the procedure
Many pet owners ask us about anesthesia-free dental cleanings. While these services may make your pet’s teeth look whiter, they simply cannot remove plaque and tartar below the gum line. This underlying plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease, and if not removed, it will cause significant disease and damage in your pet’s mouth and beyond. We use the same safety protocols for dental procedures as we do for surgery, so you can rest assured that our team will ensure your pet’s safety and comfort while providing complete dental care.
We’ve seen time and time again how regular pet dental care can make a big difference in a pet’s quality of life. We are committed to working with you to keep your pet’s teeth healthy and bright. If you have any questions or concerns about our dental procedures or at-home dental care for your pet, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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