Dental Care

Pet Dental Care in Leland, NC

Veterinary Dentistry Services

Although many people believe that bad breath is just something that comes with the territory of pet ownership, it could actually be a sign that your dog or cat needs dental care. Bad breath, dark red gums, and visible plaque on your pet’s teeth can all indicate that it’s time to schedule a dental appointment with your vet.

At Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital, we offer comprehensive pet dental care in Leland, NC. From preventative care to surgical services, we can help improve your pet’s dental hygiene, health, and wellbeing.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment for veterinary dentistry services, call (910) 777-2107 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Importance of Proper Dental Hygiene for Your Pet

Like humans, pets are susceptible to various dental and oral health issues. Without proper dental hygiene, your dog or cat could be at a higher risk of developing dental and/or periodontal disease. Both conditions have been associated with other serious health problems, including kidney disease, heart disease, and liver disease.

Without proper dental hygiene, your pet could be at risk of the following:

  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Oral pain
  • Tooth loss
  • Gum disease
  • Gum loss
  • Infection
  • Inflammation
  • Bone damage
  • Bone loss
  • Organ damage

Because of the many risks associated with poor pet dental hygiene, it’s important that you care for your pet’s oral health. Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth and scheduling routine dentistry checkups with your veterinarian can make all the difference.

What Is Pet Dental Disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, dental disease refers to various forms of tooth and gum decay, as well as damage to dental support structures, such as the bones that provide support to the gums and teeth. Over time, plaque — which contains food particles, bacteria, and other substances — can build up on the tooth enamel. If not removed, plaque can turn into tartar, a hard substance comprising calcified deposits that coats the teeth and, in some cases, the gums.

It’s important that you keep in mind certain factors that increase your pet’s risk of developing dental disease.

These factors include:

  • Age: Dental disease can appear in dogs and cats as young as three years old, but it is more common in older pets.
  • Diet: Your pet’s diet plays an important role in their overall oral health. This is especially true for cats, who may be at a greater risk for dental disease with certain types of food.
  • Breed: Your dog or cat’s breed also affects their risk of developing dental disease and other oral health problems.

The biggest factor in your pet’s oral health, however, is how often they receive dental care. With routine checkups and dental services, your dog or cat can enjoy better oral hygiene and a reduced risk of dental disease, discomfort, and pain.

Signs Your Dog or Cat Needs Dental Care

There are a few signs you can keep an eye out for that indicate your pet may need professional dental care from an experienced veterinary team.

Some of these signs include:

  • Bad breath or changes in breath odor
  • Visible plaque (a brown or yellow “crust”) on teeth
  • Dark red or bleeding gums
  • Excessive drooling or changes in drooling behavior
  • Changes in eating or chewing habits
  • Tooth loss or decay

If you’ve noticed any of these or other signs of a dental problem, reach out to Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital right away to schedule pet dental care in Leland, NC.

How Our Pet Dental Care Team Can Help

It’s a good idea to have your pet’s teeth cleaned at least once a year. This helps reduce plaque and tartar, as well as minimize the risk of periodontal disease and other related health conditions. While you can brush your pet’s teeth regularly at home with pet-specific toothbrushes and pastes, an annual visit to the dentist will help ensure your dog or cat’s oral hygiene remains in tip-top shape.

Our veterinary dentistry services include:

  • Teeth cleaning
  • Teeth adjustments
  • Teeth filing
  • Tooth extraction
  • Tooth repair
  • Diagnostic services and imaging
  • Oral surgery
  • Endodontics (root canals)
  • Periodontal charting
  • Supragingival scaling
  • Tooth polishing
  • Advanced periodontics
  • Dental radiology

We invite you to contact our office today to schedule a routine cleaning or another veterinary dental service for your pet.

Call (910) 777-2107 or contact us online to get started.