Periodontal disease is one of the most common problems among dogs and cats. In fact, the vast majority of pets suffer from some degree of this common issue by the time they reach just three years of age. And when left untreated, these problems can cause much more than a case of bad breath. Tooth and gum disease can cause discomfort, pain, difficulty eating, infections, and even more severe health conditions, including cardiovascular, liver, or kidney diseases, oral cancer, a weakened immune system, bone and blood infections, oral cavity fistulas or bone loss, and diabetes.
If you are unsure whether your pet may have dental disease, consider whether they are showing any of these common signs: decreased appetite or disinterest in hard-to-chew food or treats, bad breath, red and/or inflamed gums, excessive drooling and/or licking, oral masses, visible tartar buildup on teeth, or teeth chattering. If you are still unsure if your pet may need dental intervention, contact us for a pet dental consultation appointment.
When you bring your dog or cat to us for pet dentistry in Foster City, one of our veterinarians will perform a thorough oral exam and clean your pet’s teeth under general anesthesia. During pet dental cleanings, we will take X-rays to look for broken teeth or oral tumors, clean the teeth above and below the gumline, search for serious problems, and, when needed, perform extractions.
Using general anesthesia allows our veterinarians to access the areas beneath the gums, where periodontal disease lurks and poses a significant threat to your pet’s oral health. Under the gumline, plaque and tartar buildup can lead to chronic pain, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
Anesthesia provides us with the necessary control and precision to thoroughly examine the mouth, remove stubborn calculus and scale tartar, and meticulously polish the teeth to prolong your pet’s health and prevent periodontal disease from progressing. Don’t worry; we’ll examine your pet first to ensure they are healthy enough for anesthesia!
