Home Dental Exam

Performing A Home Pet Dental Exam

Although you may be able to perform a basic dental exam from the comfort of your home, there’s no substitute for a full scale exam by your Veterinarian. If you do wish to perform a home examination, keep the following in mind:

  • select a quiet location
  • place a muzzle on the pet
  • be gentle, firm, and patient - all at the same time
  • to examine the rear teeth on the pet’s left side, keep your pet’s jaw closed by placing your left index finger on top of the muzzle and your left thumb under the muzzle
  • use your right thumb and index finger to separate the pet’s left lips
  • examine the teeth on the left side, paying close attention to the large rear teeth where tarter and plaque collect
  • if your pet allows for it, press on each tooth for looseness
  • moving you right hand’s thumb and index finger towards the front of the pet’s mouth, check the front teeth, paying particular attention for any indications of a redline where the teeth join the gum line. A redline indicates the possibility of infection, gingivitis, or peridontal disease.
  • repeat the procedure for the pet’s right rear teeth

Signs Of Periodontal Disease

  • yellow/brownish teeth or a yellow/brownish crust of tarter at the gum line
  • swollen, red, bleeding gums
  • receded and/or eroded gums
  • infected teeth
  • pus between the gums and teeth
  • a growth in the mouth
  • persistent bad breath
  • loose, broken, or missing teeth

If any of the above are apparent, contact your Veterinarian IMMEDIATELY! Remember, dental disease is the leading disease in animals. Oral diseases can cause systemic problems which can impact your pet’s overall health!

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Dental disease is the leading disease in animals. Oral diseases can cause systemic problems which can impact your pet’s overall health!

Wright Animal Hospital is affiliated with Animal Specialty Services of Cook County. To visit the Animal Specialty Services website and view some of Dr. Drazner’s research papers, click HERE

The National Animal Poison Control Center’s 24 Hour Emergency Phone Number Is:
1-800-548-2423
(The NAPCC is located at the University of Illinois and there is a charge of  $30 per case, billable to your credit card. To charge to your phone, call
1-900-680-0000
You will be charged $20 for the first five minutes and $2.95 for each additional minute.))