Dental Care

By the age of three, most dogs and cats have periodontal disease.

Similar to us, dental disease can cause oral discomfort and pain, missing teeth, and chronic infections, such as tooth root abscesses or oronasal fistulas. Chronic dental disease may also be a contributing factor for chronic kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, and diabetes.

Dental disease begins with plaque and tartar buildup. If left alone, tartar will promote a perfect area for bacteria and inflammation to grow, causing gingivitis, bone loss, and root decay. Plaque and tartar accumulation can be prevented by daily tooth brushing and possibly using plaque-reducing products. Please ask if you would like a demonstration on how to clean your pet’s teeth or any additional information to provide your pet with at-home dental care. You can also click on the link at the bottom of this page for a full list of veterinary dental products.

Your pet’s plaque and tartar can also be removed during professional dental cleanings in a similar way that plaque is removed during bi-annual dental cleanings in humans, except that animals need to be placed under anesthesia to ensure a thorough cleaning.

At Lowell Road Veterinary Center, we use state-of-the-art dental equipment and follow the newest dental cleaning recommendations. Anesthesia also allows veterinarians to fully assess a pet’s oral health through a comprehensive oral examination and digital dental radiographs. The combination of exams and radiographs allows us to assess whether certain teeth are causing a pet pain and need to be removed.

• Bad Breath
• Drooling
• Swollen or red gums that may bleed
• Receded gums
• Loose or missing teeth
• Difficulty chewing or eating
• Reluctance to play with toys
• Vomiting un-chewed food
• Calculus (tartar) on teeth

For a full list of veterinary dental products, visit the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s website.

Visit VOHC Website