Dental disease is the most common disease that dogs and cats get as it affects over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over 3 years of age. Dental Disease can lead to the spread of germs to other body areas. Despite these disturbing facts, many pet owners are not aware of the importance of dental care to their pet’s health. There are many different ways to improve your pet’s dental hygiene, like home brushing, dental chews, and dental cleaning products. However, though these methods can help to stop the buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth, they do not clean under the gumline.
The most effective way to protect your pet from dental disease is through professional dental cleanings. Here at Manassas Animal Hospital, we perform thorough cleanings that target the teeth areas under the gumline which you can’t see at home. For dental cleanings, all animals have to be under general anesthesia. We also make use of dental x-rays to identify dental disease below the gumline. If your pet has yellow teeth, bad breath, or is having difficulty chewing or eating hard food, it could be a sign of dental disease.