Bryant Drive Animal Hospital - Pet Dentistry

Many pet owners aren’t fully aware of the importance of caring for their pet’s teeth. Your pet’s oral health, however, can have a direct effect on his overall health. At Bryant Drive Animal Hospital in Tuscaloosa, we offer comprehensive dental care services to maintain your pet’s teeth and gums. Pet dentistry services from Dr. Harold Threadgill and our veterinary team can preserve one of your pet’s most valuable assets: his teeth.

Importance of Regular Dental Care

Like people, pets can develop problems with their teeth and gums. Your pet can suffer from broken teeth, loose teeth, discoloration, bleeding gums, abscesses, and periodontal disease. Lack of brushing or professional dental cleaning can lead to plaque buildup on your pet’s teeth, particularly under the gum line. As bacteria spreads, it can weaken your pet’s teeth and gums and cause tooth loss. Left untreated, plaque buildup becomes tartar which can lead to periodontal disease.  

Pet dentistry services to include annual exams and cleanings can prevent many dental issues like periodontal disease. Caught early enough, periodontal disease can be managed to preserve your pet’s oral health. When it comes to dental problems, prevention is much easier on your pet than having to undergo lengthy treatments.

Symptoms of Dental Problems and Disease

Here are some signs of dental problems in your pet:

Loss of appetite
Constant pawing of face or mouth
Foul breath
Excessive drooling
Lethargy
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Difficulty chewing/dropping food when chewing
Loose teeth
Irritable behavior due to pain

If you notice these signs, contact our veterinarian for a dental exam. Prompt treatment could help save your pet’s teeth.

Dental Exams and Cleaning

Annual pet dental exams and cleaning combined with consistent home care is key to maintaining good oral health. Our dental services are conducted under anesthesia so we can perform a thorough job. Sedating your pet enables Dr. Harold Threadgill and our team to conduct a full examination of your pet’s teeth and gums without your pet feeling any discomfort or pain. If necessary, we’ll take x-rays to check the bone health of your pet’s teeth.

Professional dental cleaning involves scaling your pet’s teeth to remove plaque and tartar, particularly under the gum line. Afterwards, we’ll polish your pet’s teeth to leave them sparkling clean.  

Home Dental Care

Home dental care entails routinely brushing your pet’s teeth with pet toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup. We can also recommend treats and chew toys that help keep your pet’s teeth clean.

Visit Your Tuscaloosa Veterinarian for Pet Dental Care

For quality pet dentistry services for your kit or pup, contact Bryant Drive Animal Hospital in Tuscaloosa at 205-758-5520 today. We look forward to meeting your pet’s dental care needs.