Why Does Pet Dental Care Matter?

Pets are not worried about having a perfect smile like their owners. It does not mean healthy teeth and gums are any less important for a cat or dog. Healthy pets need healthy teeth and gums.

Cats and dogs are susceptible to developing tooth decay and gum disease if not given proper dental care. Leaving these conditions untreated can cause bacteria to build up and get into the bloodstream.

This can lead to even more serious health problems for your pet such as heart, lung, or kidney disease.
Warning signs that your pet may be experiencing dental problems include:

•    excessive bad breath
•    excessive drooling
•    loose teeth
•    tumors on gums
•    cysts beneath the tongue

Regular dental care from a veterinarian is essential to keeping your pet's mouth in great shape. It will keep their teeth strong and gums healthy.

Pet dental care has the same objectives as human dental care. Veterinarians work to repair existing damage to teeth and gums, prevent tooth decay and limit gum disease or bacterial infections from growing. Taking care of your pet's teeth and gums is just as important as getting shots or other elements of pet health care.

Performing Pet Dental Care at Home

Preventative dental care is an important component in pet wellness. Dogs and cats should have their teeth cleaned regularly to remove bits of food that get stuck in teeth or plaque that builds up on the teeth. Owners can do this at home with special toothpastes and should also see their veterinarian for professional cleanings.

Other things pet owners can do to protect their teeth of their cat or dog include changing their diet to food that promotes better oral health, giving their pet chew toys to strengthen teeth, and feeding them treats that will help clean teeth.

Regular checkups also matter in preventative care because pet owners cannot do it alone. Our dental team does professional cleanings, uses medicine to treat gum disease, extracts decaying teeth that threaten the health of other teeth and do other procedures to enhance your pet's health and wellness.

How often do you brush your pet’s teeth?