Dentistry and Oral Health Care

Dental care is much more than a pretty smile or good breath, it is about quality of life and optimal health. Dental care is necessary to prevent pain and infection to other organs. Do you need to worry about your cat’s teeth? Absolutely! Dental disease is the most common health problem in cats, with 70% of cats 3 years and older affected with periodontal disease. And it is often a “silent disease,” with most owners unaware the disease is happening.

The good news about dental disease is that it can be prevented or treated. This includes both home and veterinary dental care. We are committed to educate you about the dental care your cat deserves, which can include home teeth brushing, dental diets proven to prevent tartar, in-clinic dental care, including x-rays of the teeth, and oral surgery.

Check the reddened gums–this may not look terrible, but this is disease. Periodontal disease starts when plaque and tartar build up on the teeth. The plaque harbors bacteria, which causes gum inflammation (gingivitis) and can lead to infection. Dental disease can be very painful.

Although some teeth lesions are very obvious, many are not seen in cats without dental x-rays.

The crown of the tooth is excellent, but digital dental x-rays show severe disease of the tooth root which is painful.

Concerned about anesthesia? We take every precaution, and because of that, your main worry should be the dental disease, which is a far greater health risk than anesthesia in our practice. Please ask us about the measures we take to keep your cat safe before, during, and after the anesthesia.