Dental Care

You visit your dentist for regular cleaning and dental exams; you should do the same for our pet. Good dental health is one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy. Our vets at Goodwin Animal Hospital recommend scheduling a professional cleaning every six months for optimal dental health.

Dental disease can have a significant impact on the length and quality of your pet’s life. If left untreated, harmful bacteria can be released into your pet’s bloodstream causing damage to vital organs, with increasing risks for kidney, liver or heart disease. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should schedule your pet a dental consultation as soon as possible as they are most likely symptoms of dental disease.

Besides just BAD BREATH, dental disease:

Extremely bad breath (one of the primary signs of periodontal disease)
Red or swollen gums which can cause pain and affect appetite
A yellow-brown crust near the gum line
Loose or missing teeth
Discomfort when mouth or gums are touched
Decreased appetite or weight loss due to difficulty chewing

Both dogs and cats need regular dental cleanings as they increase both the length and quality of their life. Some benefits of regular dental cleanings include:

The ability to chart and evaluate pet dental disease over a period of time
Prevention of expensive and advanced pet dental procedures
Less teeth extractions (pulling) for your pet

Dental Disease Statistics

Goodwin Animal Hospital sees more pets with dental disease than any other problem. Statistics show that dental disease is the most common disease in dogs—92% of dogs over the age of three are affected. Although less prevalent in cats, statistics show that 85% of cats over the age of three struggle with the disease. The good news is that scheduling annual pet dental cleanings can add 2-4 years to your pet’s life!

Goodwin Animal Hospital's staff and licensed veterinarians are equipped with the latest technologies to make pet dental visits safe and easy. Some of these dental procedures include:

Dental X-rays
Teeth cleaning and polishing
Deciduous (pet baby teeth), Surgical and routine tooth extractions
Full mouth teeth removal
Use of radiosurgery or laser surgery for Gingival surgery
Repair of oronasal fistula
Oral surgery for dogs or cats
Mandibulectomy
Jaw repair (fracture)

Pet Dental Cleanings - What to Expect?

While under general anesthesia, your dog or cat can receive a thorough dental cleaning. Goodwin Animal Hospital uses a safe, local anesthesia and monitors your pet’s heart rate, oxygen, and respiration.

Before dental care begins, blood tests are done to help uncover any underlying illnesses, and we examine the animal’s entire mouth, including lips, tongue, gums, and teeth. This assures us that anesthetizing is safe for your pet.

The procedure will include cleaning above and below the gum line and polishing of the teeth for a smooth surface. This helps create a resistance to the buildup of plaque. We also offer fluoride treatments to help strengthen enamel and reduce overall tooth sensitivity.

To schedule an appointment or ask any questions you may have about our dental services at Goodwin Animal Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama, call our offices today!