1525 24th Ave SW Norman, OK

405-364-7793

Dental Care at Park Lane Veterinary Hospital

The Importance of Dental Care for Your Pet

Dental care is an important piece of your dog or cat's preventive health care program. Good dental hygiene can increase your pet's health, vitality, and well-being, and add additional years to his or her life. Regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings help ensure your pet leads the best life possible.

Proper dental care not only prevents dental and systemic disease, but it also helps minimize the lifetime cost of care for your pet. If left untreated, dental disease can not only be painful and inhibit proper nutrition, but it can also lead to serious systemic issues that may threaten your pet's health before symptoms are noticeable. For example, oral bacteria that enter the bloodstream can damage your pet's kidneys, heart, or liver. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop tooth and gum disease by the time they are
3 years old.

Dr. Holland and the veterinary team at Park Lane Veterinary Hospital care about the dental health of your pet. That is why we have completed multiple hours of continuing education and hands-on training in veterinary dentistry.

Dental Services at Park Lane Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Holland and her staff believe that the centerpiece of good dental care is a complete oral exam followed by a thorough cleaning. Dental cleanings include ultrasonic scaling followed by polishing and an antiseptic mouth rinse, the combination of which is designed to remove plaque and slow its buildup.

Should we find any issues, such as evidence of gum or tooth erosion, gingivitis, or excessive plaque buildup, we will discuss this with you and offer treatment options for your pet. We are experienced dental practitioners and are capable of offering a number of dental procedures and oral surgeries. For more complicated or severe cases, we may refer you to a board certified dental specialist.

Home Dental Care

The staff at Park Lane Veterinary Hospital is dedicated to educating you about the importance of your pet's dental health. Preventing periodontal disease by keeping your pet's teeth and gums healthy isn't just a job for your veterinarian; it's your job, too. While nothing can take the place of regular visits to Park Lane Veterinary Hospital for checkups and cleanings, ongoing follow-up oral care at home is just as important in controlling plaque and tartar formation.

The goal of home dental care is to remove plaque before it mineralizes into calculus (tartar), a process that occurs within days of a teeth cleaning. Brushing your pet's teeth is the single most important procedure you can do to maintain good oral health. If performed regularly, brushing dramatically decreases the incidence of gingivitis and increases the interval between teeth cleaning appointments.

Brushing your pet's teeth is best started at a young age, before the adult teeth erupt. The younger the animal is, the more likely he or she is to accept it. Regular brushing not only keeps your pet's teeth clean and healthy, it also enhances the bond between you and your pet. If you are unsure of how to brush your pet's teeth, please ask a staff member at Park Lane Veterinary Hospital for instructions. We are happy to instruct and/or demonstrate to you the best and easiest method. Also, please remember to always use toothpaste specifically made for pets, not for people. If brushing your pet's teeth is not possible, ask a staff member to help you select the most effective dental products for your pet.

You should also be able to recognize the signs of poor oral health. If you notice any of the following, you should contact us and make a dental appointment for your pet:

• Persistent bad breath – one of the first signs of dental disease
• Tartar or plaque buildup (ask your veterinarian how to identify them)
• A yellowish-brown crust of plaque on the teeth near the gum line
• Red and swollen gums
• Pain or bleeding when your pet eats or when the mouth or gums are touched
• Pawing at the mouth
• Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
• Loose or missing teeth