Dental Care
Just like people, our pets want clean, healthy mouths. Our animal dentist will take a peek inside your pet’s mouth during every checkup, but the most effective way to ward off gum disease and other problems is with a yearly dental exam and cleaning performed under general anesthesia.
Why Anesthesia?
We get this question a lot! The use of general anesthesia allows us to thoroughly examine your pet’s mouth, including the gum line, and extract any broken or bad teeth. We also take digital dental x-rays to look for problems hidden beneath the surface. A dedicated nurse will closely monitor your pet’s vital signs the entire time.
As with any procedure requiring anesthesia, we order bloodwork beforehand to check your pet for any underlying conditions that could put them at risk.
Importance of Dental Visits
Gum disease is extremely common in pets — affecting roughly 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three. The bacteria that cause gum disease can travel through your pet’s bloodstream and impact organ function. That’s why gum disease is not only painful, but it can also escalate into more serious health conditions. This is why you should get a cat, dog, or general animal dentist for your pet.
Symptoms
Despite regular dental checkups, some pets may still develop problems between visits. Please call us to schedule an appointment if your pet exhibits any of these symptoms:
- Loose or missing teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Excessive drooling and/or pawing at the mouth
- Trouble eating or tilting the head to chew
- Lumps or bumps in or around the mouth
Pet Dental Care Services Near You
Pet owners in the Reisterstown, Maryland, area trust Mountainside Veterinary Hospital for pet dental services. To Make An Appointment for a dental exam or cleaning, call us at (410) 833‑8085.
