Dental Care

Did you know that bad breath or doggy breath is not normal, and is actually a sign of poor dental health in pets? To this day, many pet parents still believe this common myth. Here at Edgemont Veterinary Hospital, one of our missions is to help owners keep their pet’s teeth as healthy as possible, because poor oral health can lead to infection and other issues that affect a patient’s overall wellbeing. Regular check-ups, dental cleanings and a proper home care routine will help keep your pet’s teeth in good shape all throughout their life. To learn more about dental disease prevention and management for overall health, please call us at 403-239-4657.

What happens during a dental check-up and cleaning for pets?

During a proper exam and clean up by veterinary teams like ours, your pet’s teeth will be visually examined for any signs of disease. Then, we will proceed with cleaning, scaling and polishing of the teeth, with surgical extractions if recommended. This is done under general anesthetic to protect the airway from bacteria and debris. Anesthesia allows for complete and comfortable evaluation and treatment as needed of your pet’s mouth, 360 degrees around each tooth and area.

What are cosmetic dental cleanings for pets?

Please beware of establishments who offer cosmetic or anesthesia-free dental cleanings. These are not medical-grade procedures and do not properly clean below the gum line. On the surface, your pet’s teeth may look clean, but plaque, tartar buildup and inflammation are hidden beneath the gum line. In fact, they undermine proper medical cleanings and may hide symptoms of dental disease in your pet.

What is periodontal disease?

This is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding your pet’s teeth and gums. As with humans, periodontal dental disease impacts not only doggie breath, but the bone and tissues supporting the teeth, and the body as a whole when pain and infections are not addressed.