At one time or another, everyone can relate to the sentiment, “I wish I would have known.” Having all the critical information beforehand can often reduce or eliminate an unfortunate outcome.
When pet owners have all the right tools, they can make the best possible decisions for the health of their pet. This is definitely true with pet dental care. While it’s universally accepted that caring for an animal’s teeth and gums contributes to overall health and wellness, it’s never a bad thing to question: is it really necessary and what exactly does my pet need?
Bad Breath, Red Flag
By the time a pet owner notices bad breath, it’s likely that there are significant problems already happening inside a pet’s mouth. Don’t worry, your pet isn’t alone. With the majority of pets over the age of three showing symptoms of periodontal disease, it’s time to get started with pet dental care. This is also an opportunity to invest in long-term health.
Double Trouble
When food particles and bacteria are left on your pet’s teeth and gums, they form a film called plaque. Over time, this film hardens, calcifies, and is known as tartar. Occurring beneath the gums, tartar leads to gingivitis, which causes bleeding, swelling, and foul breath. Periodontal (gum) disease occurs when the tooth, root, and gum structure begin to break down. This can be very painful and eventually results in the loss of teeth.
Gets Worse
This sounds bad enough, right? Unfortunately, without intervention, the oral bacteria that causes so much damage can leach into the bloodstream, potentially damaging the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Keeping up with your pet’s yearly (or biannual) wellness exam aids tremendously in the prevention of oral disease and systemic illness. We take a peek inside your pet’s mouth and decide whether a full pet dental care exam is needed.
Pet Dental Care Adds Up
Brushing your pet’s teeth every day might seem like one more chore, but when you both get used to it, the contribution to your pet’s longevity is far-reaching. We can help you find the right pet toothpaste, toothbrush, rinses, dental treats, and other products recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
Another critical component of pet dental care is professional cleanings twice a year. Like us, pets benefit from regular scalings and polishings. Plus, when anesthetized, we can acquire a full set of digital x-rays to help us understand what’s truly happening beneath the gum line. Please let us know if you have any questions about dental procedures and routine pet dental care.
Unforeseen Problems
Owners of small dogs or breeds with shorter snouts and cramped jaws might see more plaque and tartar buildup. This can lead to periodontal disease more quickly than in other pets, so daily care is critical. However, daily brushing and regular professional care are vital for animals of all sizes.
Our veterinarians and staff remain on the cutting edge of pet dental care. If you have any questions or concerns about the technological advances in pet dentistry or how your pet may benefit, we’re always here for you.
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