Why is dental care important for your pet?
Just like humans, our furry companions can suffer from dental problems like plaque buildup, tartar, gingivitis, and tooth decay. These problems cause discomfort and pain for your pet, but that’s not all. Studies show periodontal disease can also contribute to more serious and costly health consequences, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes.
How can pet owners prevent and treat dental problems in cats and dogs?
Our pets’ needs aren’t very different from our own: they need regular teeth cleaning by a professional, just like us. During a teeth cleaning, your veterinary hospital team use special tools just like your dentist to remove plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth and gums.
Unlike your dentist, we’re trained to perform teeth cleanings in a way that minimizes stress and discomfort for small animals specifically. Creating a stress-free teeth cleaning experience for your cat or dog makes it easier to prevent the development of dental problems and to reverse damage that has already been done.
Is the cost of regular teeth cleaning by a veterinarian worth it in the long run?
The cost of professional dental care for your pet is usually outweighed by the long-term health benefits and the potential savings on future veterinary bills. By preventing periodontal disease, you’re taking steps to prevent other more serious and much more expensive health issues. Plus, a healthy mouth means that your pet will be able to eat and drink comfortably, which can lead to a healthier appetite and improved nutrition. It also means that your pet will be less likely to suffer from bad breath, which is priceless if your pet likes to get close when you cuddle.
How can you prolong the benefits of your pet’s teeth cleaning visit?
Your dentist probably reminds you to brush and floss daily at each of your regular visits in order to extend the benefits of your cleaning. Guess what. The same holds true for your pet!
- Brush your fuzzy buddy’s teeth regularly with a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically formulated for small animals
- Provide your pet with dental chews and toys to help keep their teeth clean
- Feed your pet a diet that is specifically formulated to promote dental health
What causes gingivitis, the most common form of dental disease among pets?
Gingivitis is one of the most common forms of dental disease in cats and dogs (and in you and me), and you can blame plaque and tartar build up on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, while tartar is a hard, calcified deposit that can only be removed by a veterinarian.
If unchecked, these two dental deadbeats can lead to the formation of pockets between the gums and the teeth, which can become infected and lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that can cause bleeding, pain, and bad breath.
Other dental problems that affect cats and dogs include:
- Periodontitis: a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss
- Dental abscesses: infected tooth roots or gums that can cause severe pain and swelling
- Oral tumors: malignant or benign tumors that can grow in the mouth and lead to difficulty eating or breathing
Be aware of the warning signs of dental disease in your pet.
Preventing dental disease in cats and dogs is important for maintaining their overall health and well-being, and regular teeth cleaning give us a chance to catch most dental issues early. However, between visits to the veterinary hospital, look out for symptoms of emerging periodontal disease, including:
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown buildup on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Refusal to eat or difficulty eating
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
Keep your pet happy and healthy for years to come.
By understanding the dangers of dental disease and taking steps to prevent it, you can help ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy for years to come. If you notice warning signs in your pet, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. We’ll have a record from previous teeth cleaning appointments that will help us to identify emerging problems. If you haven’t scheduled a teeth cleaning for your pet yet, it’s not too late. Call Gloves City Veterinary Hospital at518-725-8117 or Dove Creek Animal Hospital a (518) 627-9762.
