12001 N MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73162
A Problem That Affects Nearly Every Pet
Every pet has teeth, and by some estimates, nearly 85 percent of dogs and cats develop periodontal or dental disease at some point in their life. That number is high enough that dental health deserves real attention, not an afterthought. At Warwick Animal Hospital, we believe the best outcomes come from a combination of consistent care at home and professional treatment when it's needed.
Daily Care Starts at Home
Plaque builds up on your pet's teeth every day, and if it isn't removed, it hardens into tartar along the gumline. Once that happens, tartar begins to damage the ligament holding each tooth in place, which can lead to gingivitis, infection, loose teeth and bone loss below the gumline over time.
The single most effective thing you can do at home is brush your pet's teeth daily using a finger brush or a soft-bristled child's toothbrush along with a toothpaste made specifically for pets. Most dogs and cats will tolerate brushing surprisingly well when it's introduced gradually and paired with positive reinforcement like treats and praise. Ask our team for a quick demonstration at your pet's next visit if you would like to see the technique in action.
Diets and Chews That Support Clean Teeth
For pets that won't tolerate brushing, or for owners who need extra help keeping plaque under control, several products can make a real difference. Hard, dry kibble already helps scrape some plaque off the teeth during normal chewing, but a few options go further:
- Hill's Science Diet t/d and Royal Canin Dental, both accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for their ability to reduce plaque and tartar buildup through kibble texture designed to clean teeth as pets chew.
- CET chews, recommended by many veterinary dentists for containing enzymes that help break down the bacteria associated with plaque.
- OraVet chews, our preferred option, which contain delmopinol, an ingredient that actively breaks down existing plaque so it can be more easily removed through chewing or brushing.
Our team can help you decide which of these options fits your pet's needs and daily routine.
Professional Dental Care with Digital X-Rays
We perform dental procedures at our hospital almost daily, and no two are exactly alike. Some pets only need a straightforward scaling and polishing, while others require dental X-rays and oral surgery to address problems hiding below the gumline. Because a thorough exam, radiographs and any necessary treatment all require your pet to hold still and stay comfortable, every dental procedure is performed under anesthesia. This allows us to examine the entire mouth safely, capture clear digital X-rays, and complete whatever treatment your pet's teeth actually need, rather than just what we can see on the surface.
Give Your Pet’s Smile the Attention It Deserves
Whether it's time for a routine cleaning or you've noticed a sign of dental trouble, our team is here to help. Schedule a dental evaluation at Warwick Animal Hospital today.