One of the earliest symptoms of dental disease is bad breath, which is commonly due to periodontal disease. Gingivitis and periodontal disease (inflammation and infection of the gums) form secondary to plaque accumulation which is the source of bacteria in the mouth. Dental disease can be very painful and ultimately lead to a noticeable decline in quality of life. Fortunately, with routine dental exams, preventive and maintenance care, these problems may be caught early, addressed quickly, or perhaps avoided all together.

You can help prevent dental disease with routine brushing, dental chews, or by using a variety of other available dental products. However, it is inevitable that every pet will at some point begin to accumulate tartar and bacteria in the mouth. When needed, we can provide your pet with a Dental Cleaning and Polishing. This is an outpatient procedure which includes a thorough oral exam, ultrasonic scaling, polishing, fluoride treatment, and the application of a concentrated sealant to provide a barrier for new plaque accumulation. Daily brushing and/or weekly sealant application will help to extend the life of the cleaning.

Dental Health is very important to your pet's overall health, and we encourage you to make yourself more aware of these health risks by asking questions, and being proactive. If you would like to read more about dental health or disease, you may visit www.petdental.com. You may also call and talk to our staff if you have any questions about how to initiate a good plan for your pet's dental health.

Dental examinations at The St. Tammany Humane Society are rated at a reduced cost to make it more affordable for the community. Dental Fridays will come with a free dental exam and estimate through end of August.