Oral health is one of the most important components of a pet’s overall health, but it’s actually one of the most neglected. In fact, more than 50% of all dogs and cats have some form of gum disease by just 3 years of age. If gum disease is not treated, it can leave a pet with pain and discomfort, and also result in tooth loss, liver disease, heart disease, or kidney disease. Fortunately, many dental conditions are both preventable and reversible with proper professional veterinary care, combined with at-home care.

The veterinary team at Los Feliz Small Animal Hospital wants to help you be proactive about your pet’s dental health to give them the best quality of life. That’s why we offer a full range of dental services to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. These include the dental exam, ultrasonic scaling, polishing, and extractions—all with the assistance of digital X-ray technology to view below the gum line. All of our dental services are performed under general anesthesia (with pre-anesthetic blood work), in accordance with AAHA’s dental guidelines. We monitor all of our patients before, during, and after each procedure as well for their safety and comfort.

As a pet owner, it’s important to learn the signs to look for when it comes to the state of your pet’s mouth. We recommend that you “flip the lip” on a regular basis to ensure there aren’t any oral problems that may indicate an infection. Below are some of the most common signs of gum disease to be aware of:

• Bad breath
• Tartar build-up
• Loose teeth
• Swollen or red gums
• Gum recession
• Difficulty eating dry or crunchy type of food

If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, schedule a dental exam so we can determine the appropriate course of treatment. We’ll equip you with the tools needed to take your pet’s dental care into your own hands at home, too.