At our hospitals, we know that proper dental care is key to your pet’s overall health. By the time they are three years old, 70% of dogs and cats show signs of gum disease. Too much bacteria in the mouth not only results in bad breath but it can lead to gum disease. The bacteria can also travel throughout the body, causing serious infections in the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver.
We are here to help you determine a dental care regime that is right for you and your pet. Your pet should should have dental examinations regularly by your veterinarian. A professional dental cleaning may be needed to eliminate excessive plaque build-up or to extract infected teeth. For pets, these cleanings are considered surgical procedures because they are performed under anesthesia.
Following your pet’s dental examination, a professional pet dental cleaning may be recommended by your veterinarian to rid or prevent any disease or infection. Since most dental disease is found below the gum line, basic cleanings are usually not as successful. To make sure your pet’s mouth is fully rid of any kind of bacteria, the teams at our hospitals are trained in advanced dental technology. Professional dental cleanings are legally required to be performed with the use of anesthesia. We understand that this may be a concern for some pet owners, but our highly qualified team is trained to ensure that the procedure will be performed safely and efficiently.
The most commonly performed oral surgery is exodontia or extraction of teeth. Periodontal disease is the most common reason for tooth extraction in veterinary practice.
Some dental extractions are "easy", while others are fairly complicated. Some teeth are particularly difficult to extract. Well informed veterinarians prefer to refer their clients to Tenafly Veterinary Center for these more involved cases. Dental radiographs are tremendously important for the evaluation of teeth before, during, and after extraction to avoid patient injury. The "risks" associated with dental extraction are significant. Tooth fracture, failure to remove roots, excessive bleeding and jaw fracture are complications associated with dental extractions.
One of the most important things pet owners can do for their pets' dental health is getting their dogs and cats used to having their teeth brushed, ideally when they’re young. However, there are always ways to make the experience pleasant if you have an adult dog or cat. Be sure to use toothbrushes and toothpastes made especially for pets. Human toothpaste contains fluoride, which can be toxic in large amounts. Be gentle when brushing, taking care to get the insides and outsides of all teeth. This should be done 2-3 times a week. To get your pet used to it, try using gauze wrapped around your finger and dipped in tuna water for cats and bouillon for dogs.
If you notice any of the following in your pets’ mouth, bring them in for an examination ASAP.
Phone: 201-292-4949
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Phone: 201-567-7878
