Bethlehem Veterinary Dentistry

Happy Pets Have Healthy Smiles

An important but often forgotten element of your pet’s overall wellness is dental care. Dental disease is the most common disease affecting cats and dogs - don’t let it happen to your pet! At Wright Veterinary Medical Center, our Bethlehem veterinarians are ready to help you protect your pet’s smile with comprehensive dental care. As an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited animal hospital, we are proud to offer the latest in dental and surgical technologies that will help keep your pet smiling for many years to come.

Has your pet been avoiding the dentist? Don’t let them procrastinate any longer - call (610) 440-3555 or request an appointment online today.

Periodontal Disease & Your Pet

Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, is commonly found in cats and dogs - and humans! Periodontal disease is caused by an excess buildup of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a bacterial film that occurs in cats, dogs, and humans alike. Usually, regular brushing is enough to keep plaque at bay and your mouth healthy. However, your pet isn’t able to brush their own teeth, which can result in a buildup of plaque that moves below the gumline and infects the tissues holding your pet’s teeth in place. This can cause inflammation, pain, and even loss of teeth. In advanced cases, periodontal disease can also cause permanent damage to your pet’s jaw bones.

Symptoms of periodontal disease to watch out for:

• Smelly breath (halitosis)
• Blood in saliva or water dish
• Loose teeth
• Difficulty or avoiding eating

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, schedule an appointment with our Bethlehem veterinary team right away. We can help get your pet’s smile sparkling again.

Preventing Periodontal Disease in Your Pet

Preventing periodontal disease in your pet involves regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and at-home oral care. Brush your pet's teeth, provide dental treats, and use dental toys. These measures, combined with a balanced diet, contribute to maintaining optimal oral health and preventing periodontal issues.

Dental Cleaning at Wright Veterinary Medical Center

If your pet’s case of periodontal disease passes a certain point, our Bethlehem veterinary team may recommend a professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia. As an AAHA accredited animal hospital, Wright Veterinary Medical Center boasts a state-of-the-art suite that will keep your pet safely monitored throughout their dental cleaning.

Your pet’s dental cleaning will look similar to a cleaning you would get from your own dentist. We use similar tools to those used by human dentists to scale and polish your pet’s teeth, making sure to fully remove plaque from the teeth before we apply an anti-plaque treatment to help deter future plaque buildup. If necessary, we may need to perform extractions of infected teeth.

After your pet’s teeth are clean and sparkling again, our Bethlehem veterinary team will send you and your pet home with detailed aftercare instructions. We’ll also help you learn how to brush your pet’s teeth at home - it doesn’t have to be as difficult as it sounds! We want to help your pet live a long, healthy life with a healthy smile.\

Frequently Asked Questions

Can older pets still benefit from dental care?

Yes. It's never too late to start taking care of your pet's oral health. Older pets may be more prone to dental issues, but with proper care, they can still enjoy a comfortable and healthy life.

Can dental disease cause bad breath in pets?

Yes, bad breath is often a sign of dental problems. When bacteria build up in the mouth, they can produce foul-smelling gases.

What are the risks of untreated dental disease?

Untreated dental disease can lead to a variety of serious health problems, including:

• Heart disease: Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause heart infections.
• Kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease can develop as a result of untreated dental infections.
• Liver disease: Dental infections can spread to the liver and cause damage.
• Pain and discomfort: Dental problems can cause significant pain and discomfort for your pet.

To book an oral exam or dental appointment, please call (610) 440-3555 or request an appointment online today and learn about our treatment options.