Pet Dental Care
Regular dental checkups for dogs and cats are just as vital as they are for you.
Comprehensive pet dental care for healthy mouths
At Noble West Animal Hospital, we take your pet’s oral care seriously, and we provide many ways to keep their mouths fresh and healthy. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, by the age of three years old, most dogs and cats have signs of gum disease. Fortunately, gum disease, or periodontal disease, is preventable with professional dental cleanings and good at-home oral care. We provide comprehensive pet dental care for Noblesville and surrounding areas using state-of-the-art equipment and education on at-home care.
What Our Dental Care Services Involve
Gum disease occurs in your pet when tartar builds up on their teeth, turns into hard plaque, and invades their gum line. Plaque creates bacteria which can damage gums and cause tooth loss. In severe cases, bacteria spread throughout your pet’s bloodstream and can cause damage to its internal organs. When you bring your pet in for annual dental cleanings, we’re able to remove plaque and tartar before it becomes an issue. Your pet’s safety is always a priority, and because they require anesthesia for dental cleanings, we run pre-anesthetic blood work to prevent any interactions. Pet dental care at our animal hospital involves:
- An oral examination is to look for any signs of gum disease, tooth abscesses,
and other problems - Digital dental X-rays to look for the less visible signs of tooth and bone decay
- Extractions and some oral surgery to treat decaying or damaged teeth
- Hand and ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar and plaque
- High-speed polishing to smooth teeth and discourage plaque from building up
- Gum pocket depth measurement to determine your pet’s susceptibility to gum disease
Dental care for your cat or dog is as important to their oral health as it is to yours. We recommend that our clients bring their pets in twice a year for professional cleanings and polishing. We advise annual pet dental if biannual visits are not possible for your household. As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Taking Care of Your Pet’s Teeth at Home
Your pet’s oral care begins at home. We advise our clients to brush their pet’s teeth daily and examine their teeth weekly. Plus, we will show you how. Once you’re in a routine with your pet, daily brushing doesn’t seem as daunting. Pet-friendly toothpaste helps too, and your dog may even look forward to brushing. Other things you can do for your pet include using water additives that work much like human mouthwash, dental-friendly pet food, and oral chew toys. We can advise you on how you can examine your pet’s teeth weekly, including the molars.
Because it’s hard to brush their teeth, cats often suffer from painful dental issues, like broken teeth, gum disease, and abscesses, in silence. As finicky as cats can be, there are ways to overcome this obstacle. Regular wellness visits, including dental cleaning, are a good place to start. At home, try to get into the habit of brushing their teeth. Look for feline oral products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Toothpaste, chews, and treats will carry a VOHC seal of approval. Ask us more about caring for your cat’s teeth at their next wellness visit.
When you “flip the lip” to look at your pet’s teeth, watch for the following:
- Red, inflamed gums
- Brown or yellow buildup on the teeth
- Bleeding gums
To make an appointment, call us at 317-218-3731 or fill out the appointment request form.
Veterinary Services
Below are all of the veterinary services we offer at Noble West Animal Hospital. If you have any questions regarding our services, please feel free to call us at (317) 218-3731.