We wanted to take the time to
the following patients to our practice:
Mojo Bowman
Stella Sue Roberts
Louie Bellomo
Seminole Abrecht
Lola McAvoy
Cleopatra Stevens
Bailey Porter
Gaunt Green
Tucker Searcy
Thomas Evans
Maggie Ward
Willie Conreux
Gizmo Delrosario
Tanner Boston
Penny Kalynych
Lacey Jackson
Sarge Yeazitzi
Winchester Clark
Maddie Snowden
Buddy Esposito
Jipzee Spicer
Sam Floyd
Kobe Dravo
Princeton Bass
Bella Osborne
Benji Maddox
Hercules Bushman
Tyler (Ty) Petroff
Tiny Young
J.R. Roberts
Cayman & Gator Martin
Mia & Rowdy Torres
Zoey, Lacey, & Rita Barber
Max Gallina
Pellet Owens
Boo Boo Sachs
Layla Corby
Casey Smithem
Lily Belle Herbert
Grady Diaz
Chloe & Jessie Gill
Jace & Kitty Strickland
Oreo Patterson
Ali Tucker
Why do animals develop dental disease?
Like humans, pets need routine dental cleaning and maintenance. Bacteria and food particles are present in the mouth and can form plaque on and around the teeth. When plaque hardens it forms tartar. As plaque and tartar build up along the tooth, bacteria

colonize the gum line. As a result, the gum line separates from the enamel of the tooth causing pocketing that can lead to periodontal infection.
If severe, the gum can erode away and the teeth become loose. Infection and loose teeth can be very painful for your pet. In addition, bacteria can enter the bloodstream through capillaries in the mouth and cause infection to spread to the inside of the body. The heart valves and kidneys are both areas inside the body that are commonly affected by oral disease.
You may notice that some animals have terrible problems with their teeth while others do not. This has a lot to do with genetics. Just like people, pets can have abnormal bites or crowding in their mouths that can push teeth together and allow bacteria and plaque to get stuck. Individual animals have different diets and immune systems which also contribute to dental disease.
Why is it important to have professional cleanings done by veterinarians?
Cleaning teeth is a medical and not a cosmetic procedure. Knowledge of the tooth and oral anatomy is essential to understanding the severity of dental disease and choosing treatment plans for oral disease. Just like when you get your teeth cleaned at the dentist, we perform an exam, descaling, polishing, antiseptic flushing, dental radiographs, and pain control. Our skilled veterinary technicians help clean the teeth and monitor anesthesia. However, a veterinarian evaluates your pet’s mouth and performs any and all dental extractions or oral surgery. You may have heard of
“anesthesia free” dental cleanings that groomers or other non-veterinarians offer.
These types of procedures can be dangerous. During these procedures animals are awake and fearful. Teeth are not being cleaned and polished properly which can lead to trauma to the teeth and oral soft tissues as well as oral infection. The people performing these procedures lack proper medical knowledge and have a limited understanding of oral anatomy. There is no way they can perform safe “anesthesia free” dental extractions or identify and treat oral or periodontal disease. They cannot prescribe pain control and certainly cannot make medical recommendations.
Is it safe to anesthetize my pet for a dental cleaning?
Many people are reluctant to “put their pet under” for a dental cleaning. Proper dental cleaning requires general anesthesia, however, great advancements in anesthetic safety and monitoring have been made in the past few years. At Plantation Animal
Hospital we use individual anesthetic p lans tailored to your pet’s health needs. A doctor

performs a full physical examination, and evaluates your pet’s preoperative blood work.
Our doctors then write your pet’s individualized anesthetic protocol which is well researched and safe. A technician is always monitoring your pet before, during and after anesthesia by watching its vital signs including; body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. Any anesthetic procedure has associated risk; however we take great precautions to ensure a safe and healthy outcome for your pet.
What can I do at home to prevent dental disease?
The best method of preventing plaque and tartar is routine brushing.
Here are some tips on how to start brushing your pet’s teeth:
Try and start cleaning your pet’s teeth at an early age if possible.
Select a room in your house that is quiet and where your pet feels comfortable.
To clean the teeth, start by rubbing your pet’s teeth with your finger, especially the back teeth. Clean only the outside surface or side facing the cheek. Do this for 2 weeks or until the pet becomes comfortable with this and be sure to reward the pet after each session.
Next try using a soft cloth or piece of gauze to rub the teeth. If necessary, you can dip the material in salt-free chicken broth, especially for cats. Again, repeat until the pet is comfortable with the procedure.
Next introduce the toothbrush. The toothbrush can either be a finger brush or regular looking, soft toothbrush. Q-tips may work best for cats. Be sure to use
ONLY toothpaste for dogs and cats. We carry the chicken flavor.
Brushing 2-3 times a week should be adequate in slowing tartar build-up.
If the pet will not accept brushing, other alternatives such as chews, diets, wipes, and rinses can be used. Please ask our staff for recommendations.

904-284-0087