Help Take a Bite out of Dental Disease in February

Did you know that pets get dental disease?  Our own dentists have taught us that proper dental hygiene is important in preventing tooth decay and gum disease and the same holds true for our pets. Dental disease in pets is a frequent cause of bad breath and poor appetite but has also been tied to more serious conditions.

 

By the age of three, almost 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of gum disease according to the American Veterinary Dental Society.  The signs may be noticeable; bad breath or a lack of interest in eating, but they may also be very slight or even unnoticeable to many pet owners.  Left untreated for long periods of time, chronic infections in the mouth can lead to infections of other body organs.

 

We believe that good dental hygiene in our pets is not just about treating problems - it is about good prevention.

 

It starts with care at home.  Our staff is happy teach you how to examine your pet's mouth, the proper technique for brushing their teeth, as well as recommend treats and diets that support dental health.

 

Regular Check Ups:  A regular dental exam is just as important as your pet's annual exam, routine vaccinations, or regular parasite screenings.  As part of your pet's regularly scheduled preventive exam, we spend significant time examining the health of their teeth and gums. 

 

Treat Early:  Regular dental prophylaxis is more effective, less stressful on your pet, and ultimately less expensive than waiting to treat serious problems. By performing regular dental cleanings, we can avoid many more serious dental problems like tooth extractions.

 

February is Pet Dental Health Month, a time of year where our entire team spends a few extra minutes with our patients and clients to remind us all about the importance of proper dental health in our pets. 

Because we feel so strongly about this important disease - many aspects that are preventable - we are
offering our clients

20% off Dental Cleaning in the month of February
*** Hurry... we only have a few more spaces available****
Remember, we accept CareCredit, a healthcare credit card, which can be used for all your pet's care needs, including annual dental cleanings*. (*Subject to credit approval.)  For more information, go to http://www.carecredit.com

Happy 2014

Let's Start the New Year Off With Great Dental Care!

Dental care is critical to your pet's overall health and well-being. Dental disease may damage your pet's heart and chronic infection can adversely affect all vital organs. Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria from the mouth form on the teeth in a substance called plaque. The plaque makes it's way under the gum line and sets in motion a vicious circle, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. The bacteria in the sub-gingival plaque will secrete toxins. These toxins damage the periodontal tissues and can decrease the attachment. However, the bacteria will also elicit an inflammatory response from the animal's gingival tissues. White blood cells and other inflammatory mediators will leak out of the periodontal tissues and into the periodontal space (between the gum or bone and the tooth). The white blood cells will release their enzymes to destroy the bacterial invaders, but will also damage the attachment of the tooth. As this progresses, the pocket will get deeper and deeper. This will weaken the bone in the area, and if it is in the lower jaw it can weaken it to the point of causing a pathologic fracture. This is most common in older small breed dogs. The end stage of this disease is tooth loss, however the disease has caused problems well before this.

Don't forget Holly Tree Animal Hospital has dental month specials of 20% off on all services associated with a dental prophylaxis during January and February.

Call us today for your pet's dental appointment 864.288.8908