Veterinary Dental Care for Dogs and Cats in Beverly Hills
Dental care is a cornerstone for healthy pets. Annual veterinary dental visits help prevent diseases in the teeth and gums, which, if left untreated, can cause significant health issues such as heart and kidney disease. Good oral hygiene is the first step to a long life with your beloved pets.
At Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates, we provide full-service dental care led by Dr. Kevin Windsor, who has successfully completed the comprehensive Veterinary Dental Practitioners Program at the International Veterinary Dentistry Institute (IVDI), which signifies his dedication to being at the forefront of general practice veterinary dentistry.
What to Expect from a Dental Exam
At every wellness visit, we thoroughly inspect your pet’s teeth and gums to help determine if there are any dental issues. After this assessment, we may recommend a more detailed examination with sedation.
Dental X-rays help us get a complete view of the teeth below the gum line to identify developing problems or diseases before they become serious issues. We may also order diagnostic tests such as blood work if we suspect disease is present. Our veterinarians will discuss any concerns with you, explain recommended tests, and offer information and options to assist you in making the best treatment choice for your animal companion.
We can also recommend suggestions for an at-home dental care routine to complement these exams. For help in this area, check out this video from WebMD’s Pet Health website: How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth, and the comprehensive article Ten Steps to Cat Dental Health.
Dental Disease and Bad Breath
Does your animal companion have bad breath? Pet owners should know that “dog breath” is not only a nuisance, but also a sign of an unhealthy mouth.
Bacteria cause bad breath. Over time, these bacteria will lead to plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth. The result is bad breath, reddened gums, and other common signs of dental disease.
Pets may not demonstrate pain in an obvious way, but sometimes we see behaviors that indicate painful problems in the teeth, mouth, or jaw. An animal with broken teeth, mouth sores, or oral tumors might paw at the face, drool, or have trouble eating. Contact our hospital if you see any such changes in your pet’s behavior. We can discuss the best ways to control plaque and help protect your pet from dental disease at your next visit.
To schedule a dental exam for your pet, please call (248) 646-5655.