Did you know that over 93% of dogs and 88% of cats have some form of periodontal disease? Periodontal disease begins above the gum line with bleeding gums, inflammation, or gingivitis which if left untreated can result in irreversible damage. Advanced periodontal disease causes pain, discomfort, and destruction of the tissues that hold the teeth in place, resulting in eventual tooth loss. Furthermore, this disease may spread to other organs in the body such as the heart, liver, or kidney.
We recommend that your pet have a complete oral exam annually and that their teeth are professionally cleaned by a veterinary dentist under general anesthesia at least once a year (sometimes twice a year is needed). Full mouth digital dental radiographs are required for pets undergoing an ultrasonic dental cleaning at Cross Creek Veterinary Hospital. Dental radiology will help identify diseases below the gum line that otherwise might go undetected, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of the disease before it progresses. A healthy pet starts with a healthy mouth.
