Veterinary Treatment Facility now offers dental services for animals Published Nov. 12, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Kiana Brothers 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Nearly 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society. About a month ago, the base Veterinary Treatment Facility here began offering dental cleanings and minor oral, surgical procedures. In the past, due to the lack of staff, the clinic couldn't offer these services. The vet only had one doctor available up until May 2014. "Now that we have a second doctor, we are now capable of doing the cleanings," said Dr. Jared Piper, 375th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Veterinarian. "It's something that the animal community needs and deserves." Dental health is important because it aids with the overall general health. The vet has completed approximately 10 overall procedures under this category. "We have been slowly increasing our frequency to see how our workload can handle it," said Staff Sgt. Justin Crocker, 375th AMDS NCOIC Veterinarian Clinic. According to Piper, by keeping a healthier mouth, the rest of the body will be healthier. When people and animals have a lot of tartar and plaque, it can get into the blood stream and affect the heart, lungs, liver, kidney and more. It doesn't all the time, but it can. "Pets should have a cleaning at least once a year; some may need it every six months," Piper said. "The better the owner is about home care, the less likely they'll need a cleaning more than twice a year." Doctors are less likely to pull pets' teeth if kept healthy at home. Home care includes brushing the pet's teeth daily or at least three times a week. Also, giving pets dental chews and raw hides helps with dental hygiene. Owners should avoid bones and deer antlers because it could break the pet's teeth. "It's so much easier to catch something earlier by keeping up with your pet's dental health frequently than to notice something later and find out that your pet has gum disease," said Crocker. The Scott Vet Clinic can provide dental cleanings for most pets, but the vet mainly accommodates cats and dogs. The vet provides care and services to all active duty and retired military members Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.