Keeping your pet's mouth clean and healthy is just as important as bringing them in for biannual exams and vaccinations. Pets can get plaque and tartar on their teeth, which can lead to sore, swollen gums (gingivitis) and dental disease. At Mills Animal Hospital in Acworth, we recommend and offer professional teeth cleaning for cats and dogs to prevent dental disease before it can start. Our experienced doctors can also perform specialized oral surgery if your pet requires it. Plus, we're all about making visits as stress-free as possible with our low-stress care approach, especially when it comes to dental care.
Ready to book a dental check-up? Give us a call at (770) 903-5995 or schedule your appointment online today!
Tips for Home Dental Care
While we love seeing your pets for their biannual checkup, there's a lot you can do at home to keep their teeth and gums in excellent condition. Brushing their teeth regularly is the best way to reduce plaque buildup and prevent infections. You can also help with a tartar-control diet, specialized dental chews, oral mouth rinses, wipes, and water additives.
Brushing your pet’s teeth doesn’t have to be difficult–patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key! Here are some tips to try at home:
- Before introducing your pet to the toothbrush, get them use to having their mouth handled. Carefully touch their gums and teeth with your finger, then reward your pet with a treat.
- Use a finger brush or regular pet toothbrush to touch your pet’s gums and teeth, getting them used to the feel of the brush.
- Let your pet taste the toothpaste before brushing their teeth.
- When brushing your pet’s teeth, move the brush in gentle, circular motions along the gum line.