{"id":552,"date":"2019-02-20T20:07:52","date_gmt":"2019-02-20T20:07:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bowmanvet.com\/?p=552"},"modified":"2021-08-18T13:16:45","modified_gmt":"2021-08-18T20:16:45","slug":"brush-up-on-the-basics-the-need-for-a-pet-dental-exam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bowmanvet.com\/blog\/brush-up-on-the-basics-the-need-for-a-pet-dental-exam\/","title":{"rendered":"Brush Up On the Basics: The Need for A Pet Dental Exam"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you\u2019ve cuddled up with your pet recently and noticed their breath is less than fresh, it might be tie for a pet dental exam. Bad breath is one of the first signs of pet dental disease, a common but preventable condition.   <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So common, in fact, that by the time a pet is 4 years of age, there\u2019s an 85% chance that there is some form of dental disease present. A pet dental exam is the first step in treating and preventing the disease, and <\/span>Bowman Veterinary Hospital<\/span><\/a> shows you the value of this important step in your pet\u2019s health care routine, here.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Pet Dental Exam Basics<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During your pet\u2019s regular <\/span>preventive care exam<\/span><\/a>, we\u2019ll perform a dental exam as well. Any exam begins with your account of your pet\u2019s behavior at home. We\u2019ll ask about bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, and pawing at the mouth. All these can be signs of dental disease. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll examine your pet\u2019s head and neck to check for any swelling or discomfort. The inside of the mouth will be examined, where we\u2019ll check for swelling, bleeding gums, loose teeth, and plaque and tartar. Redness, swelling or bleeding can all signal gingivitis, a painful inflammation of the gums that can lead to further problems. We\u2019ll then grade your pet\u2019s teeth on a widely used veterinary dental grading system from 1-5. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these aspects of the pet dental exam can generally be performed without sedation. However, to evaluate all the tooth structures, and to clean the teeth, your pet needs to be anesthetized. Luckily, anesthesia is safer than ever thanks to advanced monitoring equipment, safer anesthetics, and a team of trained and skilled technicians. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once your pet is safely anesthetized, the dental exam can continue with digital dental x-rays. X-rays are critical to assessing the health of your pet\u2019s teeth below the gumline, where we can\u2019t see. X-rays can also show us any problems developing with the tooth roots and supporting structures. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of a Pet Dental Exam <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The benefits of a dental exam abound. Your puppy or kitten will benefit from simply having her mouth gently handled, making future visits to see us less stressful. Your adult or older pet will benefit when we catch small problems early. This early detection of disease can save your pet from discomfort and pain, and can save you money in the long run as well. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Professional Dental Cleaning<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like us, pets need regular professional dental cleanings in order to ensure the health of their teeth. A healthy mouth not only reduces pain and discomfort for your pet, it can lengthen their life by preventing systemic disease of the heart, liver, and kidneys that can result when bacteria from the mouth enters the bloodstream. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Bowman Veterinary Hospital, a dental cleaning includes:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n