Periodontal Disease
Periodontal Disease Treatment with our Scarsdale Veterinarian
At Central Animal Hospital, our Scarsdale veterinarian offers a wide range of dental care services to suit your pet’s needs. This includes everything from routine dental exams to dog teeth cleaning, cat teeth cleaning, and treatment for common pet dental issues.
One of the most common pet dental problems we see on a regular basis is that of periodontal disease, which often affects both dogs and cats. If left untreated, periodontal disease in pets can even lead to permanent tooth loss.
Understanding Periodontal Disease in Pets
Specifically, periodontal disease is an advanced form of gum disease that is treatable but not 100% curable. Periodontal disease occurs when gum disease has gone undetected or untreated to the point that pockets of bacteria are created below the gum line due to excessive plaque and tartar build up. Over time, these pockets become infected with bacteria, which eventually results in the erosion of the supporting structures of the jaw bone. If left untreated, the bacterial pockets can spread deep enough that the teeth begin to fall out, rendering your pet unable to chew hard foods and in a great deal of pain/discomfort.
Pet owners should be aware of the most common signs and symptoms of gum disease and periodontal disease in pets, including:
- red or inflamed gums
- gums that bleed easily
- loose or missing teeth
- persistent bad breath
Periodontal Disease Treatment Options for Pets
If your pet shows any signs of periodontal disease, it’s important to bring your pet in for an evaluation with our pet dentist. We will be able to perform a thorough dental exam and measure the depths of any suspected bacterial pockets using a special probing tool. If your pet does have periodontal disease, we can then develop a game plan for treatment.
While there is no cure for periodontal disease, deep cleanings can help to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and well below the gum line, preventing the disease from worsening and potentially saving your pet’s teeth from falling out or needing to be extracted down the road.
If your pet doesn’t have periodontal disease, there are steps you can take to keep it that way. Aside from bringing your pet into our office for routine cleanings and exams, be sure to brush your pet’s teeth frequently at home as well.
Request an Appointment with Our Scarsdale Pet Dentist Today
Whether you want to schedule a dog teeth cleaning or cat teeth cleaning, or suspect that your pet has periodontal disease, our Scarsdale pet dentist is here to help. You can reach our Central Animal Hospital team by calling our office at 914-723-1250 today!