Early Dental Care for Lifelong Health
Lack of proper dental hygiene in pets can quickly turn into dental disease or tooth loss. We provide routine examinations, cleanings, and the tools you need to provide care at home.
Dental Examinations
At Fallston Veterinary Clinic, we want to help you prevent dental disease by providing dental examinations. Dental disease can cause significant discomfort and can eventually lead to tooth decay or tooth loss and is the most frequently diagnosed health condition in pets.
If you notice any of these signs, it is time for an exam:
- Buildup/tartar on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty chewing
- Pawing at the face or mouth
- Loose teeth
- Favoring one side of the mouth
Dental examinations are part of every exam that we give at our facility. Even if your pet does not show any of these symptoms, it is important to get the exam every year. If left unchecked, decay of the soft tissue and bones can lead to irreversible periodontal disease.
Digital Dental Radiology
Dental radiography is taking x-ray pictures of the mouth, jaw, and teeth. X-rays can help identify or rule out any problems that a pet may have. Fallston Veterinary Clinic offers digital x-rays, which are faster and transmit less radiation than the traditional ones. Digital X-rays help us ascertain the health of the entire tooth.
Dental Cleanings
After conducting the dental examination, our veterinarians might recommend
a professional dental cleaning to get rid of any dental disease, tartar
buildup, or infection. Most dental disease is found below the gumline, so
it cannot be cured with a regular brushing. These dental cleanings are
performed under general anesthesia for the safety of both the pet and the
staff conducting the procedure.
At-Home Dental Care
What happens at home is just as, if not more, important. Our veterinarians are more than happy to instruct you on proper dental hygiene at home, as well as recommend a variety of products that are designed specifically for canine or feline use. Make sure to never use human products on your pets, as their needs are different from ours.
We highly recommend starting proper dental hygiene as soon as you adopt your pet. Early introduction to this process will help them feel comfortable long term as you continue. If your pet does not seem to want to cooperate to teeth brushing, we can recommend a variety of other products like toys and treats that help clean teeth and break down buildup to prevent disease.
