The American Veterinary Dental Society estimates that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three.

Bad breath and yellowing teeth are two of the earliest signs. But if left untreated, these easily overlooked symptoms of poor dental health can develop into periodontal disease or gingivitis. Even worse, it sometimes leads to kidney, liver, or heart disease.

Prevention is the best cure for dental disease in animals, and that includes annual checkups to have your pet's teeth examined.

If your pet already has signs of periodontal disease, a professional cleaning is in order.

During an exam the doctors will check for signs of gingivitis, tartar build up and diseased teeth. If your pet has any of these signs, they may recommend a professional teeth cleaning. The unchecked tartar buildup will always lead to periodontal disease and if not treated to the extraction of teeth. You can help your pets by having a routine teeth cleaning before it gets too bad.

  During the actual dental procedure, your pet will be anesthetized. While under anesthesia, an ultrasonic cleaning and polishing of all teeth will be performed as well as a fluoride treatment. Evaluation of every tooth and the creation of a permanent dental record will be done. Digital X-rays may be taken if necessary to determine if all teeth are in acceptable standing. If your pet has teeth that need to be treated, the doctor will call you to let you know the problem and you can both decide on the treatment plan. Your pet may go home with some medications if the procedure is anything but routine.

We will send you home with a "dental bag" which includes samples of many products, which we carry in the hospital. These products if used regularly will protect the teeth as much as possible from the future tartar build up.