1441 Bridgetown Pike, Feasterville, PA 19053
Why Dental Care Shouldn't Be an Afterthought
Dental disease is one of the most common, and most under-recognized, health issues affecting dogs. By the time most dogs are three years old, they show some signs of dental disease, yet because the early stages happen below the gum line, it often goes unnoticed by owners until it has progressed. At Family Pet Clinic, we make dental health a routine part of every dog's care, not just an afterthought.
Why Dental Health Matters Beyond Bad Breath
Bad breath is often the first sign owners notice, but it is rarely just a cosmetic issue. Bacteria from periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys, and liver over time. Left untreated, dental disease also causes pain, tooth loss, and jaw damage, conditions that dogs, being naturally stoic, often hide well until the disease is advanced.
How We Evaluate Your Dog's Dental Health
At every physical examination, our veterinarians assess your dog's teeth and gums for signs of tartar buildup, gingivitis, or more advanced periodontal disease. If we see concerning signs, we recommend digital dental radiographs, which allow us to see below the gum line, the area where dental disease actually causes the most damage and where a visual exam alone cannot tell the full story.
Dog Dental Cleanings and Treatment
Professional dental cleanings for dogs are performed under general anesthesia, which allows us to thoroughly clean below the gum line, probe each tooth for pockets or damage, and take radiographs safely and painlessly. Depending on what we find, treatment may range from a standard cleaning and polishing to extractions for teeth that are severely diseased or fractured beyond repair. We discuss findings and recommendations with you throughout the process, and larger or more complex cases are always reviewed with you before any additional treatment is performed.
Preventing Dental Disease at Home
Between professional cleanings, daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for slowing plaque buildup in dogs, and we are happy to walk you through technique and product recommendations, including dental chews and diets formulated to support oral health.
Schedule a Dental Exam for Your Dog
Call Family Pet Clinic at (215) 357-6357
to schedule a dental evaluation or cleaning for your dog. Catching dental disease early protects both your dog's mouth and their overall health