When you think about visiting the dentist, you probably think of sitting in the far reclining seat while the dentist asks you questions with his hands in your mouth. As much as people seem to dislike going to the dentist, the work the doctor does on your teeth is important for your health. Dental health prevents infected teeth, tooth decay, and bad breath.
While you probably care about those things for your own body, how much thought do you give them for your pet? You probably don’t think about Fido’s teeth as much as yours, but his are important too. Be sure to consider your pet’s dental health as you schedule your next veterinary visit.
Prevention
Although your vet should be aware of your pet’s teeth, you should also be taking steps to care for them. Periodontal disease can be caused by the buildup of plaque in the mouth, so by removing the plaque, the life of your pet can be extended and improved.
To remove the plaque and keep teeth clean, brush them! Just as you brush your teeth, your pet needs it too. Be sure to use special toothpaste as human toothpaste includes ingredients that may be harmful to your pet.
Some brands of kibble and treats are also designed to help the dental health of your fur-baby. While many brands may advertise that they are “tooth-sensitive” ask your vet which brand they would recommend to be sure.
Veterinary Visits
While you may be great at brushing your dog or cat’s teeth, a vet may spot things you missed–like broken or retained baby teeth. Several vet clinics will even offer free dental exams for your pets. A dental exam will give the vet an idea of your pet’s condition and will provide you a chance to learn and ask questions.
If a dental exam shows that measures need to be taken for the oral health of your pet, the vet may clean, adjust, file, extract, or repair their teeth.
If your routine veterinary check-up isn’t for a while but you notice your pet experiencing unusually bad breath or you see discolored or broken teeth, you should make an appointment to meet with your vet sooner.
Some other negative dental signs are extra teeth, abnormal chewing or drooling, and bleeding from the mouth.
Periodontal Disease
As mentioned previously, periodontal disease can be caused by plaque and tartar buildup. While this may seem like a disease that could only manifest if you don’t brush your pet’s teeth, there are other things, like a broken tooth, that you can’t foresee or prevent that can lead to periodontal disease.
If you don’t have your pet’s teeth checked regularly, you may have more to deal with than just periodontal disease. If untreated, the disease can affect your fur-baby’s kidneys, liver, and heart.
Dental Care
Caring for the life of your pet starts with the mouth. Being aware of your animal’s oral health can help them live a happy life, and can help you save money by preventing major surgeries in the future.
So, just like you need dentist appointments, make an appointment for your cat or dog to visit a vet clinic like sunnysidevetclinic.com to get their free dental exam.
