Often overlooked as it relates to a pet's comprehensive health status, animal dental care is needed to provide quality of life and optimal well-being. If left untreated, diseases of the mouth, gums or jaw are not only painful to your companion, but may also be contributing factors to more widespread systemic disease processes.

Dental prophylaxis (prevention) is performed on an animal who, generally speaking, has a healthy oral cavity or only mild gingivitis ('swollen gums') in order to prevent more serious tissue damage or disease.

Dental treatment is available to patients with disease of any of the parts of the mouth.

The beginning and severity of periodontal disease depends on age, breed, diet and at-home care, with younger, small-breed dogs typically presenting with infection earlier than large-breed dogs. Abnormal signs and symptoms of dental abnormalities include: pain, bad breath, excessive drooling, fractured or loose teeth, swelling or bleeding of the gums, tumors, sores or wounds.

The oral examination performed by Dr. Eckermann is the basis of the preliminary treatment plan for your pet. A comprehensive, specific plan can only be determined after your animal has been placed under anesthesia and x-rays of the oral cavity have been taken. General anesthesia is necessary for pets undergoing dental treatment.

While it is understandable that pet owners may be concerned about bad breath and unsightly tartar accumulation, regular dental care is important because:

• 60% of disease occurs below the visible gum line.
• The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3.
• Tartar and plaque, often invaded by bacteria, need to be removed to counteract subsequent infection, gingivitis or pyorrhea (infection of tissues surrounding the teeth).

With a focus on restorative dentistry, Dr. Eckermann is skilled, and Harlan Veterinary Associates is well-equipped, to perform procedures such as:

• ultrasound descaling of calculus (tartar)
• deep-gum cleaning
• application of dental sealants to minimize staining and invasion of bacteria
• teeth polishing
• extractions

After treatment, you and Dr. Eckermann can discuss home dental care for your companion animal to maximize his or her comfort, disease-free oral cavity and quality of life.