Teeth and Beyond

February is quite a month for potential celebration. Even if you limit yourself to going all out only for all those obligatory National Dog Training Month and National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month parties, then you will probably end up stretching yourself thin for the Barley Month, National Pancake Week, National Pizza Day, and Texas Cowboy Poetry Week hoopla. It can get quite exhausting.

But before you cash it in for the month, remember that it’s also National Pet Dental Health Month, and we are celebrating at the Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois by giving you 10% off of all dental procedures (15% for UIC students and employees). Due to client demand, we are extending the discount throughout March. Call us today at (312) 226-2588 to reserve your appointment!

This is both a great time to take advantage of randomly assigned national holidays and also to review the benefits of good dental health.

1. One cannot put a price on eliminating your otherwise beautiful and perfect pet’s malodorous breath. Think of all the family gatherings made even more special by not having to try to find the source of the rotting fish smell.
2. There can be a great deal of pain and irritation associated with inflamed gums, gingivitis, or teeth infections. Relieving your pets of these problems may help them enjoy eating again, and enjoy their life in general.
3. Addressing tooth and gum infections stops the infection from spreading deep into the mouth and even to other internal organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. Early detection and treatment not only saves your pet from more severe and damaging disease, but also will save you the expense of treating these more serious health problems that could arise if dental health is ignored.
4. After a good cleaning is a good time to introduce regular brushing and dental care to prevent plaque buildup. It is generally more difficult–to borderline-impossible–to start a brushing routine when there is substantial plaque and tartar buildup.
5. Though there is always risk with anesthesia, complications are rare with healthy dogs. Perhaps it is time to have your animals’ teeth cleaned while they are still happy and healthy, rather than waiting for a variable to complicate their anesthesia risks.

We are happy to discuss the specifics of your pets’ needs at any time as well as give you a very specific cost estimate for what is needed. Just let us know. Don’t let all the Groundhog Day and National Pistachio Day enthusiasts steal the February thunder. Discuss dental health instead.

Thanks,

Brett Grossman, DVM
Drew Sullivan, DVM
Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois