Animals, like people, can experience issues with their teeth. Certain problems, like gum disease, can lead to severe health issues in pets. At West Plains Animal Hospital, serving Airway Heights and Spokane, WA, we want to help pet owners recognize signs of teeth and gum problems in their pets. Bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, and difficulty eating are some of the symptoms that may alert pet owners that there's an issue with their pet’s oral health. Fortunately, our veterinary team can assess your pet's oral health and determine how to treat any dental problems.
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease is often the result of bacteria that forms from food and sits on the teeth, resulting in plaque. Bacteria, food, and saliva combine to form plaque, which hardens over time. Plaque creates a sticky film on the teeth that hardens and eventually takes its toll on the gums. The bacteria alert your pet’s immune system and cause it to start attacking gum tissues. The result is often sore, bleeding gums and even tooth loss. Our veterinarians should be consulted if you feel your pet might have gum disease. We can examine your pet’s mouth for gum disease, determine how far along it might be, and decided what steps need to be taken to remedy the problem. Often, a plan for better dental care is part of the solution.
Signs of Gum Disease
Certain symptoms and signs become noticeable when your pet has gum disease. However, it should be noted that these symptoms don't necessarily mean your pet has gum disease. Common symptoms include difficulty picking up food, loose teeth, bumps in the mouth, blood on chew toys or in your pet's water bowl, bloody, stringy saliva, bleeding gums, and excess noise while eating or yawning. If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with our veterinarians. Our team of experts can determine if your pet is experiencing issues indicative of gum disease.
Treatment
Our vets will usually approach the treatment of gum disease by starting with an X-ray, probing each tooth, and scaling and polishing your pet's teeth. Scaling the teeth removes the build-up of plaque and tartar. Our veterinarians will perform this procedure both above and below the gum line. We might also prescribe pain-relief medication or antibiotics for your pet, depending on the severity of the disease. Each situation is unique and the treatment plan will be designed to cater to the unique needs of your pet.
Schedule an Appointment
At West Plains Animal Hospital, serving Airway Heights and Spokane, WA, understand the importance of your pet's oral health and are committed to providing solutions to these types of problems. If you think your pet might have gum disease, it’s important to get treatment right away. To schedule an appointment, call us today.