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Dentist Tools

Pet Dentistry

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Pet Dentistry
Expert Veterinary Care for Your Pet’s Oral Health

Regular dental care is essential to overall pet health and can help your pet live a longer, more comfortable life. At Companion Pet Hospital in Philadelphia, we take a comprehensive approach to veterinary dental care including dental health assessment, treatment and prevention.

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Animals can develop a variety of dental and oral conditions, especially as they age. For instance, most adult pets will eventually develop some degree of periodontal disease. If left untreated, dental disease often progresses to more life-threatening infections that affect other organs, including your pet’s heart, liver and kidneys. Dental evaluations are included as part of your pet’s wellness exam with our veterinary team, and we will examine your pet for the common signs of dental disease and other problems, including:

  • Tartar buildup

  • Gum inflammation

  • Loose, broken or missing teeth

  • Excessive drooling

  • Deciduous (baby) teeth

  • Extra teeth

  • Malocclusion

  • Oral growths and tumors

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Dentist Tools

Dental Cleanings

Dental issues and dental related diseases can easily be prevented by visiting our veterinarians regularly for dental examinations and cleanings. Dog and cat dental cleanings are very similar to human dental cleanings, except that we are required to use anesthesia to properly and safely examine and clean the teeth. During your pet’s dental cleaning, our veterinarians will inspect the lips, tongue and entire mouth for growths, wounds or other problems. Tartar will be removed from the teeth and under the gumline. We will also polish the teeth to smooth enamel scratches that may attract bacteria and remove fractured or infected teeth. After the cleaning, our veterinarians will perform a thorough oral exam and check for signs of disease like gum loss, root exposure or pockets around the root.

Dental Radiography

Dental radiography allows our veterinary team to evaluate your pet’s teeth, as well as their roots, connective tissues and bones. Thanks to this state-of-the-art technology, we’re able to identify tooth decay, abscesses, tumors, bone loss, fractures and other dental issues that may not be visible on examination alone – right here at your local Philadelphia pet hospital! Once we identify a dental issue, we can then develop a plan to fix it. 

Dental Equipment
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Pet Oral Health at Home

There are some easy steps you can take at home to help keep up a healthy pet oral health routine for your cat or dog:

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  • Inspect their gums, teeth and tongue regularly for signs of infection. These inspections should begin early, so your pet is more tolerant of them later in life.

  • Brush your pet’s teeth on a daily or weekly schedule with toothpaste and toothbrushes specifically made for animals. Do NOT use human toothpaste as it can be toxic to pets.

  • When introducing toothbrushing to your pet, take it slow and make it a positive experience for them.

  • Feed your pet high-quality food. Some pets may benefit from "dental diets" that help scrub their teeth as they chew, or from foods that have additives that prevent plaque from hardening.

  • Consider using a pet-safe water additive or dental rinse to help fight tartar buildup.

  • Offer safe toys and treats for daily chewing.

  • Schedule your pet’s appointments with Companion Pet Hospital in Philadelphia for regular oral exams and cleanings. We recommend an annual dental healthcare examination for all pets.

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