It is time to think about your pet’s oral health as Veterinary Dental Awareness Month rolls around again. During physical examinations, veterinarians often find tartar, gingivitis, and more frequently, evidence of resorptive lesions in dogs and cats of all ages.

One of the most commonly discussed concerns that pet owners are bringing up is that their pet’s breath smells. This is most commonly caused by bacteria that starts beneath the gum line, known as gingivitis. As this infection progresses, tartar, also known as plaque, begins to develop, and once present should be removed with scaling followed by polishing.

If not addressed, dental disease can lead to tooth root infections, heart disease, and even other conditions like diabetes or auto-immune disease. Ideally, dental cleanings are performed under anesthesia to allow cleaning below the gum line, and when necessary, extraction of infected Advertisement

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Proper cleaning coupled with antibiotics is most important with pets who have medical conditions like heart disease or diabetes as bacteria enters the blood stream any time dental work is performed.

Generally most pets will let owners take a look in their mouths, so if red lines along the gums are present, or if the teeth appear discolored or damaged, a visit to the veterinarian may be in order. Now is a great time to schedule this visit as Mountainview Small Animal Hospital is offering 10 percent off our new Dental Packages during the month of February. Please call and schedule a consult to ensure your pet’s mouth (and the rest of them) are healthy.

Mountainview Small Animal Hospital is located at 151 Diamond Dr. in Lake Elsinore. Dr. Teresi can be reached at (951) 674-1475.