The Importance of Regular Pet Dental Check-ups
Imagine if you neglected your teeth. No teeth brushing twice a day, no regular dental visits to remove tartar and plaque build up. The consequences to this decision would be sizable, not only to the health of your teeth and gums, but to the whole body’s systems, as well. Perhaps not surprisingly, our pet’s reliance on excellent dental health is no different.
Why We Check Every Time
With routine checks, regular brushing at home, and annual cleanings under anesthesia, pets can enjoy their overall health without painful, bleeding gums, tooth loss, or systemic illness.
Pet Dental Care
Plaque is formed by a combination of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. It is sticky, acidic, and coats the teeth like a film. Left alone, or without brushing, plaque hardens into tartar. Tartar build-up can inflame the gums, and ultimately cause gum recession. In turn, more plaque and tartar accumulate in the pockets formed between the teeth and gums, and can result in tooth loss.
Periodontal disease can lead to other serious illnesses. When oral bacteria seeps into the bloodstream, it can travel to the heart, kidneys, and liver. Systemic illness can shorten lifespan and decrease a pet’s quality of life.
Vet-Recommended Dental Care
Periodontal disease is entirely preventable with routine pet dental care. Of the four stages of the disease, the first stage is gingivitis. Characterized by bad breath and red gums, gingivitis is a sign that a pet needs immediate dental intervention. The fourth stage of periodontal disease involves loose, broken, or missing teeth, and severe pain.
The Beauty of Pet Dental Care
To maintain or improve a pet’s oral health, we recommend regular dental exams and professional cleanings under anesthesia. Dental X-rays can reveal what’s going on beneath the gum line, and help us treat and prevent dental problems.
Professional dental cleanings can sometimes be delayed because of the related costs. The cost of treating dental disease is typically more than the methods of prevention. Regular exams and cleanings are not as complex as dental extractions or surgeries. Additionally, owners can avoid the terrible pain experienced by pets with gum disease.
At-Home Pet Dental Care
Brushing 2-3 times a week can reduce plaque and tartar from building up. Establish and maintain a routine and know the warning signs of dental disease, such as bad breath, red or bleeding gums, dropping food, weight loss, and pain.
Secondly, invest in high-quality dental chew and toys to help remove plaque and tartar. Excellent nutrition can also make a big difference to pet dental health.
Always Here to Help
Animal Medical Center is always here to help you prioritize your pet’s health. Please call us at (813) 654-6222 with any questions about pet dental care or to schedule an exam and cleaning.