Resources

 

 

 

Education & Resources: Empowering Pet Parents Through Knowledge

At Pet Dental Center, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools in ensuring the best oral health care for your pet. Understanding the importance of veterinary dentistry, preventive care, and advanced treatment optionsallows pet parents to make informed decisions about their pet’s well-being.

We are proud to support organizations that set the standards for veterinary dentistry and provide reliable, science-backed information. Below, you’ll find trusted resources where you can learn more about dental disease, treatment options, and veterinary dental advancements.


Trusted Veterinary Dental Resources

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – Position Statements on Veterinary Dentistry
The AVMA sets professional standards and guidelines for veterinary dentistry. Their position statements emphasize the importance of dental radiographs, professional cleanings under anesthesia, and the risks of anesthesia-free dental procedures.

Information on Specific Oral Diseases of Dogs and Cats
The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) provides an in-depth look at common oral diseases in pets, including periodontal disease, tooth resorption, oral tumors, and malocclusions.

American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC)
The AVDC is the certifying body for board-certified veterinary dentists. Their website provides educational articles, dental care recommendations, and the latest advancements in veterinary dentistry.

American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) – Position on Anesthesia-Free Dentistry
The AVDC strongly advises against anesthesia-free dental cleanings, explaining why cleaning a pet’s teeth without anesthesia is ineffective and can be harmful. This page provides detailed information on the risks and limitations of non-anesthetic dentistry.

American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS)
The AVDS is dedicated to advancing veterinary dental education and research. Their website offers resources for pet parents and veterinarians on the importance of dental care.

Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT)
This organization provides specialized training for veterinary technicians in dentistry, ensuring that pets receive the highest level of dental care from skilled professionals.

Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
The VOHC evaluates and approves pet dental products based on their effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar buildup. Their seal of approval helps pet parents choose safe and effective dental chews, diets, and oral health products.

Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia (AVTAA)
Anesthesia is a critical part of safe veterinary dentistry. The AVTAA sets the standard for high-quality anesthesia care, ensuring pet patients receive safe, tailored anesthetic protocols.


Why Education Matters

At Pet Dental Center, we believe that a well-informed pet parent is an empowered pet parent. Whether you’re looking for preventive care tips, treatment options, or the latest veterinary dentistry advancements, these resources provide expert knowledge to help you make the best choices for your pet’s oral health.

If you have any questions about your pet’s dental care, we’re always here to help!

 

 

 

Commonly Asked Questions

Does My Pet Need A Dental Cleaning?

Dental cleanings should be recommended based on each individual pet’s level of plaque and calculus build up and gingivitis. For some pets, cleanings may be necessary every 6 months, for others it could be every couple of years. More importantly, pets need to have routine oral evaluations with dental probing and full mouth dental radiographs no less than every 2 years and in some pets every 6 months. This includes pets who may have minimal plaque, calculus or gingivitis. It must be understood that clean teeth are not always healthy and therefore could be causing you pet pain or discomfort.

My Dog Has Bad Breath.

Bad breath is the number one symptom of advanced dental disease in pets. In most cases, bad breath in pets originates from disease causing bacteria. When pathogenic bacteria begin to flourish in the mouth, bad breath develops. It is important to have your pet’s oral health fully assessed with thorough oral examination and dental radiographs as soon as bad breath is noticed to prevent severe infections and tooth loss. These bacteria can also negatively affect other parts of the body and contribute to cardiac or renal disease.

My Pet Has Increased Risks For Anesthesia, How Can They Get The Dental Care They Need?

It is not fair to make a pet live with chronic dental pain and infection because they are considered an increased risk for anesthesia. At Pet Dental Center, we specialize in providing high level anesthesia care for geriatric pets and those with increased risks such as heart, kidney, liver, neurologic, diabetes and Cushing’s diseases. Because of our reputation for providing the highest level of anesthesia care possible, we average treating one high risk patient each day. Trust your pet with the ones who perform the most anesthesia procedures in high risk patients, Pet Dental Center.

Is It Normal For My Pet’s Teeth To Fall Out?

Baby or deciduous teeth are supposed to fall out when dogs and cats are teething, between 3 and 7 months of age. Adult or permanent teeth are present for the life of a dog and cat as long as they are healthy. If your pet is losing adult teeth there is severe dental disease. Advanced periodontal disease is the most likely cause for a pet losing teeth although dental fractures and tooth resorption are other likely causes.

What Kind Of Chews Are Good For My Pet’s Teeth?

Brushing your pet’s teeth is the best way to prevent dental disease at home and should be performed daily. When your pet does not accept brushing or for supplemental dental care in those pets who are getting their teeth brushed, dental chews can be a good choice. We recommend using dental chews that have the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval. This verifies that the product has been tested in clinical trials and was shown to significantly reduce plaque or calculus. We also recommend slowly introducing dental chews by offering a reduced amount of the chew and observing your pet while chewing. This is to make sure he or she does not swallow a large portion of the chew that could lead to choking or digestive complications. Hard chew objects such as bones, hooves, antlers, thick rawhide products and plastic toys often lead to dental fractures and should always be avoided.