Causes of Pet Dental Problems

Veterinarian brushing dogs teeth

Pets can develop a wide range of problems that affect their teeth and gums, just as humans do. These pet dental problems can end up having an impact on their overall health and well-being, especially when they are left untreated. These problems can also lower the quality of life for pets by making it uncomfortable to chew or causing persistent pain.

At Forest Hills Animal Hospital in Germantown, our veterinarian can determine the cause of your pet’s dental problem and provide any treatment that is needed. 

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay or cavities can occur in pets when plaque builds up on teeth. However, this problem is not as common for pets compared to humans. Brushing your pet’s teeth with the right toothbrush and toothpaste can help lower the risk of tooth decay by eliminating food particles on and between teeth. 

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease or gum disease is more common in pets than tooth decay. In fact, gum disease is considered the most common problem that affects pets’ oral health. This disease develops when pets have gums that become inflamed, which can happen when bacteria thrives and causes infections. When gum inflammation is left untreated, it can become gum disease, which puts your pets at risk of losing teeth or having an infection spread to major organs. Our veterinarian will discuss treatment options with you if your pets have periodontal disease. 

Broken or Damaged Teeth

Pets can end up with broken or damaged teeth for different reasons. They can break their teeth by chewing on hard objects, or their teeth can become damaged if they’re already worn down due to poor dental health. Broken and damaged teeth are more than just a nuisance for pets. They put teeth at a higher risk of becoming infected, which requires prompt treatment. Leaving infections untreated can lead to serious health problems in pets.

Jaw or Tooth Misalignment

When pets have teeth or a jaw that is misaligned, this can make it difficult for them to fully close their jaws when chewing. They might also experience frequent discomfort due to a misalignment. Our veterinarian can examine your pet’s jaw and teeth and take steps to correct alignment problems if needed.

Contact Our Germantown Animal Hospital for Dental Care

If your pets have dental problems or if they need cleanings, please contact our Germantown animal hospital to set up a veterinary dentistry appointment. At Forest Hill Animal Hospital, we provide quality dental care for pets in order to keep their teeth and gums as healthy as possible and lower the risk of dental problems. 

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