FAQ

Q: Do you always work with a Veterinarian when performing the teeth cleaning procedure?

A: Yes!  There’s a lot of controversy about cleaning your pet’s teeth with/without a Veterinarian present.  The State of California and Vet Board has been fight this for many years.  We believe working with a Vet is the best way to provide the highest level of care for your pet.  Veterinarian’s are able to prescribe and administer medication, talk with you about alternative treatment’s for your pet’s needs and answer any medical questions you may have.

Q:Does my pet’s bad breath mean he/she needs a teeth cleaning?

A: Yes! The most common cause of bad breath is tartar buildup surrounding the teeth. The bacteria grow to form plaque – a combination of bacteria, mineral and decomposed food. It is the plaque and associated oral infections that give the pets breath an unpleasant odor.

Q: How can you effectively perform a teeth cleaning on a pet while it’s squirming around or under stress?

A: We sit on the ground with your pet and use a variety of holds to maintain control while keeping our patient calm and comfortable. Your pet is never forced into submission.

Q: Don’t most pets become frightened and panic when you attempt to use a scaler?

A: No!  We treat our patients much like a dentist treats a young child during a first-time dental visit. We use patience in our approach, and slowly introduce each phase of the procedure. As we build trust, almost every dog and cat we treat will allow us to use all of the exact same tools used in traditional veterinary dentistry.

Q:  Is my pet a good candidate if he/she has been known for biting?

A:  Yes!  We have been trained to work with the most troublesome pets and if we can’t work with them we don’t charge you anything.

Q: What can I do to effectively get rid of or reduce my pet’s bad breath?

A: Pets with bad breath can keep you from being close to the pets you love. Halitosis, or bad breath, is an unpleasant odor coming from your pet’s mouth.  Bad breath can also be a symptom of a more serious problem. It is estimated that 80 percent of dogs over the age of three suffer from periodontal disease — a serious deterioration of the gums and supporting bones of the teeth. Left unchecked, the resulting bacteria can enter the pet’s bloodstream, causing infection or damage to vital organs such as the kidneys, lungs, heart or liver. That’s why dog’s bad breath has been called the “Silent Killer of Pets.” Proper pet oral health may extend the life of your pets by two to five years.

Usually Bad Breath or Halitosis has oral causes; although sometimes it can be caused by other disease processes. These include:

•   Periodontists (inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the tooth)
•   Periodontal or gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar
•   Abscessed tooth or teeth
•   Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
•   Bone, skin or hair stuck in mouth
•   Oral ulceration
•   Foreign items in the mouth (such as plant material or grass awns)
•   Oral Neoplasia (tumors of the mouth)
•   Lung diseases, i.e. lung cancer
•   Severe kidney or liver disease

Q: Is every pet able to have their teeth cleaned by this method?

A: Unfortunately, not every pet is a candidate for our cleaning technique; but we don’t charge you if we can’t complete the cleaning. We do, however, suggest you bring your pet back to us at a later date if your pet becomes too stressed during the cleaning. This means we don’t want your pet to become miserable or upset during the session.

 

Breath Savers Pet Dental Care
949-278-8278