Serving Toronto, ON
1399 Davenport Rd Toronto, ON M6H 2H6
Veterinary Dentistry in Toronto, ON
The Importance of Dentistry
Cats and dogs need the same type of dental care as humans. This includes regular brushing and dental cleaning. Our veterinarians and staff are trained to perform dental cleaning on animals. An animal with healthy teeth and gums will live a very healthy and long life, not to mention, have nice breath! Come by the clinic today to have your animal's teeth checked and book a cleaning. Our staff are always ready to teach clients how to brush their pet's teeth and offer other alternatives to brushing.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease simply means that the gums and bone that hold the teeth in place are being destroyed by oral bacteria. Over 85% of dogs and cats have a type of periodontal disease. This preventable disease is the number one diagnosed disease in our pets, yet many animals suffer needlessly. Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis, or inflammation of the gum tissue, which is caused by plaque. Plaque is a mixture of saliva, bacteria, glycoproteins and sugars that adhere to the tooth surface. Within minutes after a cleaning, a thin layer of plaque has adhered to the teeth. Eventually this hardens to become calculus or tartar. Calculus by itself is nonpathogenic – it does not cause disease. However, it does create a rough surface for more plaque to adhere to, and pushes the gums away from the teeth, which increases surface area for more plaque to adhere. Eventually, the supporting structures of the tooth (bone, tissue, periodontal ligament) are destroyed and the tooth becomes mobile and will either fall out on its own or need to be extracted. Signs of periodontal disease are bad breath (halitosis), reluctance to eat, chewing on one side of the mouth, dropping food, pawing at the face or rubbing the face on the floor, drooling, becoming head shy, and painful mouth/face.
Dufferin Davenport Animal Hospital veterinarians recommend the following care for pets:
- STEP 1: Bring your pet in for a dental exam. Don't wait for his annual checkup if you suspect a problem!
- STEP 2: Begin a dental care regimen at home. Brushing your pet's teeth daily is very important. We also recommend using a specially formulated dental rinse, and dental chews and food. Please ask us if you need instructions on brushing your pet's teeth, or if you have any other questions.
- STEP 3: Schedule your pets for an annual examination. This is also very important and ensures we are catching any disease early enough to treat. Periodontal disease and oral bacteria can easily effect other organ systems including the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and brain.
