Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning in Dundee, MI
Routine dental care is a vital part of your pet's health care regimen. Without it, they could be at an increased risk for dental disease. By combining proper at-home care with regular professional teeth cleanings at our clinic in Dundee, MI, you can help prevent the discomfort and odor associated with plaque and gum disease and treat any developing issues as early as possible.
Your pet’s dental care starts with you, but we’re here to offer all the guidance you need. Get in touch to schedule an oral exam or teeth cleaning for your pet!
What is Dental Disease?
Dental disease is a progressive, painful condition that can lead to dysfunction of the internal organs like the kidneys, liver, and heart. It starts with plaque and tartar buildup along the gum line and can lead to the secretion of infectious bacteria in your pet’s mouth. Once infection takes root, it can affect the structures of the teeth and gums. While complete prevention is ideal, many adult dogs and cats require more involved treatment, especially as they get older. Dundee Veterinary Clinic is equipped and ready to provide the relief your pet deserves.
How We Perform Pet Teeth Cleanings
Our team provides a comprehensive suite of dental care services to ensure your pet's oral health is at its best:
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Thorough Oral Exam
Each visit starts with a detailed examination of your pet's mouth to assess overall dental health and identify any immediate concerns.
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Full-Mouth Digital Dental X-rays
We use state-of-the-art digital X-rays to get a clear picture of your pet's dental health, including areas below the gum line that are not visible to the naked eye.
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Tooth Scaling and Polishing
Our team performs scaling to remove tartar build-up from the teeth and polishing to smooth the tooth surfaces, helping to prevent further plaque accumulation.
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Tooth Extractions if Needed
If any teeth are found to be damaged or diseased beyond repair, we can perform careful extractions to relieve pain and prevent further health issues. Aggressive pain control is provided to ensure your pet heals comfortably afterward.
What About Home Tooth Brushing?
Brushing your pet’s teeth every day is a big part of keeping their mouth healthy! We recommend tooth brushing for every dog and cat and starting young to get them in the habit. Try to make it a fun part of your daily routine—maybe right before a walk or after mealtime. Use gentle circles with the brush and tasty beef or chicken-flavored toothpaste to make it more enjoyable.
Help your pet get used to the idea by letting them taste the toothpaste from the brush a few times a day. Once they’re okay with that, you can start brushing more seriously. Keep things light and positive, with plenty of praise. Your pet will soon see tooth brushing as just another fun part of their day!
Dental Care Pets Need at Different Life Stages
Your pet’s dental care needs will vary as they age. Here is a general idea of what to expect as they journey through life.
Early Care and Development
From the start, we watch over the development and eruption of your pet’s baby and adult teeth. We look out for issues like overbites, underbites, or teeth that don’t fall out as they should. Catching these early means we can often treat them during routine spay and neuter surgeries, setting your pet up for a healthier life.
Young Adulthood
In the first few years, it’s all about keeping an eye on your pet’s dental health with thorough exams and X-rays. These help us spot any hidden problems early. We usually suggest a good teeth cleaning every year or so—think of it as their version of our dental check-ups. If your pet tends to get tartar buildup quickly, we might recommend more frequent cleanings.
Maturity
As your pet grows older, their dental needs can become more demanding. Teeth may wear down or break, and regular check-ups become even more important to keep them comfortable. Our goal is to ease any dental pain they might be silently enduring and help them enjoy their golden years to the fullest.
