More and more Americans view their pets as children, and just like children, cats and dogs can have gum disease, cavities, and plaque build-up. Yet with regular exams and proper home care, Fido and Fluffy need not be afraid of a visit to the dentist's chair, says the American Animal Hospital Association.
Untreated teeth can cause serious problems in the pet's overall health.
Periodontal disease is the number one dental problem in dogs and cats, and cats often develop defects below the gumline which may be hard to detect. As in humans, abscessed teeth or periodontal disease can affect other parts of the body. In dogs and cats, they can cause heart and kidney disease. A regular veterinary dental checkup can help prevent serious problems and keep your pet healthy. Pet teeth cleaning includes use of a short-lasting anesthetic that allows for gumline probes, removal of tartar and tooth polishing.