Dentistry
Dental Health Is Just as Important for Pets as It Is for People

Pet Dentistry in Jersey City

In an added effort to provide your pet with quality care, we offer pet dental services at Animal Clinic & Hospital of Jersey City. Keeping your pet’s teeth clean and healthy is one of the best ways to ensure your companion has a long and happy life.

It is estimated that 80% of pets exhibit the beginning stages of periodontal disease by age three, which is why dental exams and teeth cleanings are essential. Also, studies indicate that pets with good oral hygiene tend to live two to four years longer than pets who neglect dental care. While periodontal disease is entirely preventable, when left untreated it can lead to cardiac disease, kidney infection, liver infection, or stroke.

Reasons for regular dental check-ups:

  • Avoid tooth loss due to periodontal disease
  • Help your pet avert unnecessary pain
  • Help your pet maintain healthy and functional teeth
  • Improve foul breath
  • Prevent potential damage to the brain, heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys

For the best animal dental care in Jersey City, call our animal hospital today at (201) 435-6424.

What Does a Pet Dental Exam Involve?

Pets can experience many of the same dental issues that humans do, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, necessary tooth extraction, and deep scaling. Regular dental exams and cleanings can help you avoid the costliness of involved dental procedures and can help prevent your pet from unnecessary suffering.

Pet dental exams are similar to human dental exams and involve teeth cleaning and buffing. Additional services offered include sedation dentistry and dental x-rays. If more serious conditions are discovered, root canals, tooth extraction, and more might be required.

During your pet’s teeth cleaning, a dental technician will gently clean the surface of the teeth with an ultrasonic scaler that cleans using the vibration of sound waves and water. The waves push the water creating tiny scrubbing bubbles that implode on tooth surfaces and kill microbes as they separate plaque from the tooth structure. After scaling the teeth, the technician lightly buffs and polishes your pet’s teeth to complete their dental cleaning.

Preventative At-Home Dental Care

After the cleaning, we will provide you with a comprehensive analysis of your pet’s oral health. You will receive at-home oral hygiene tips specific to your pet, and if any serious dental conditions exist, you will be notified prior to any treatment planning.

Some simple home hygiene tips are:

  • Brushing your pet’s teeth as little as one time a week can cut down on 50-60% of tartar build-up.
  • Dental products specifically designed for pets, including Oravet and CET, can help protect gums and lessen tartar.
  • Dry pet food is better for teeth than canned food; it causes abrasion to tooth surfaces when chewed, helping remove tartar build-up. Other treats such as raw hide can also help remove built-up plaque.
  • There are many pet toys that support dental health. Buying your pets these toys not only entertains them but offers a dual purpose in helping clean teeth.

Remember, creating a smooth clean tooth surface makes it more difficult for tartar and plaque to build up!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I brush my pet's teeth at home?

Regular brushing at least 2-3 times a week is recommended to maintain your pet’s oral health between professional cleanings. Our veterinarians can provide guidance on proper brushing techniques and recommend pet-friendly toothpaste.

Signs of dental issues in pets include bad breath, swollen gums, difficulty chewing, drooling, and loose or broken teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to schedule a dental exam for your pet promptly.

If you would like to schedule a professional dental cleaning for your pet, call our office to schedule an appointment, and allow your pet to experience a healthy smile!