The Importance of Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning in St. Paul, MN

Bad breath…red gums…tartar buildup. These are just a few of the many signs of gum disease in pets. Did you know that, according to the American Veterinary Dental College, more than half of all dogs and cats show signs of gum disease by just 3 years of age? Since February is National Pet Dental Health Month, we would like to remind you about the importance of cat and dog teeth cleaning. Oral health is one of the most important aspects of a pet’s overall health, but sadly, it’s also one of the most neglected. As pet owners ourselves, our goal is to not only treat dental disease, but to prevent it from ever developing.

About Our Dental Services

St. Paul Pet Hospital offers comprehensive dental services to both treat and prevent gum disease and other oral problems. These include ultrasonic scaling, cleaning, polishing, and gum disease treatment. We rely on digital dental radiology for our dental procedures, which allows us to view below the gum line, where most oral problems are found. After your pet’s professional dental cleaning, we can make recommendations for at-home care so you can keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy between visits. There are a number of great dental products available, including special foods, chew toys, and commercial preventatives.

Common Signs of Gum Disease

While most of the early signs of gum disease are evident via sight and smell, advanced gum disease can eventually affect a pet internally, resulting in liver, heart, and kidney disease. Below is a list of the common external signs of gum disease.

  • Bad breath
  • Brown or yellow film (tartar) on the teeth
  • Red gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain
  • Difficulty eating
  • Chewing on one side of the mouth

If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your pet, give us a call at (651) 789-6275 immediately to schedule a dental exam. We’ll then determine what type of treatment is needed and schedule a second appointment. And if you’re unable to bring your pet to us, we’ll come to you! St. Paul Pet Hospital makes house calls for a number of pet services, including dental. National Pet Dental Health Month comes just once a year, but we want to stress the importance of pet dental care EVERY month, so make an appointment today!