Humans are taught to brush their teeth at least twice a day to keep their mouths healthy, and to visit the dentist at least once a year for a routine check-up.  Did you know that your pet’s mouth needs the same care and attention?  Dental disease is the leading cause of your pet’s bad breath, difficulty chewing food, trouble playing games, and can lead to a wider array of health and behavioral problems as diseased teeth and gums become painful.  Suffolk Veterinary Group Animal Wellness and Laser Surgery Center offers complete dental services for your pet, from general cleanings to tooth extractions, as well as having a variety of dental treats, tooth brushes, special pet safe toothpastes, and prescription diets that can assist you with at-home dental care.  

In case you are still not convinced as to the importance of routine dental care for your pet, please consider the case of “Top Cat.”  “Top Cat” or “T.C.” to his loving owner, was an extremely cranky fellow who distained soft, canned foods for his crunchy kibble.  Unfortunately, due to severe dental disease, “T.C.” had difficulty chewing the hard kibble, and was continually dropping food out of his mouth, which left him constantly hungry.  The amount of pain he was in from inflamed gums and loose teeth caused him to be irritable, hiding all the time and refusing to show his distraught owner any signs of affection.  After a complete dental evaluation by the Suffolk Veterinary Group Animal Wellness PetCare Team, it was determined that “T.C.” needed to have all his teeth removed to relieve him of his suffering.

After the extraction of all his teeth, “T.C.” is a 180 degree different cat according to his owner.  Before his dental procedure, he lashed-out at any attempt to pet him.  Now he is always offering a cheek-rubbing greeting, earning him the nick-name “T.L.C”.  “T.C.” still continues to eat his kibble, but is able to keep it all in his mouth, and with the inflammation of his gums gone, it is less painful, making mealtimes much more enjoyable for both him and his owner.

But cases like “T.C.” are extreme, and don’t have to happen.  A simple, daily regime of brushing your pet’s teeth can go a long way in reducing the plaque and tarter build-up that leads to severe dental disease.  If you don’t know how, a Suffolk Veterinary Group Animal Wellness PetCare Team member can show you, as well as recommend the right brush and pet toothpaste that’s comfortable for you and your pet.  Routine dental evaluations done during your pet’s Annual Wellness Examination, as well as any recommended teeth cleanings by our Veterinarian, will keep all their teeth in their mouth, giving them a long, healthy life.  Dental care is important to your pet's continued good health, so schedule your pet for a dental evaluation today!

"T.C." becomes extra TLC after his dental procedure.  Here he is lounging for the camera.