The Importance Of Dental Health For Pets
Dental health is very important for our pets to maintain a high quality of life. About 9 out of 10 pets have suffered from periodontal disease before the age of four.
Most dogs and cats suffer from minor dental diseases, which fortunately do not usually develop into more serious problems. However, dental disease can progressively transform into much more serious health conditions for our pets.
Periodontal diseases are conditions that progressively evolve and affect the gums of the teeth. At its worst, periodontitis in pets can lead to tooth loss.
But periodontal diseases are not the only conditions that our pets can suffer caused by bacteria in the mouth. Some dogs can develop sores or even abscesses when their gums are injured.
It is important that your pet’s dental health is evaluated by a professional at least once a year. A vet will be able to properly clean your pet’s mouth and restore it to health.
The conditions that your pet may suffer caused by tartar and the proliferation of bacteria, such as gingivitis, are easily reversible with the intervention of a professional. Although periodontal diseases are not reversible, their symptoms can be greatly alleviated with simple care.
Importance of pet dental health
A dental cleaning consists, mainly, in the removal of tartar from the teeth. This tartar is responsible for promoting the bacteria that develop gingivitis.
In addition to cleaning tartar, a veterinarian is responsible for evaluating the health of your pet’s tongue, gums, lips, and upper throat. In this way, a huge number of subsequent diseases are avoided. Remember that prevention is the best treatment.
Dental cleaning can only be done if your pet is under general anesthesia. Anesthesia prevents your pet from suffering any pain, and allows your veterinarian to evaluate his dental health in greater depth. For this reason, we recommend that your trusted veterinarian be the one who performs this procedure.
A dental cleaning includes the following:
- Plaque removal from teeth.
- Plaque removal under the gums near the teeth.
- Sampling of the oral cavity to evaluate possible dental diseases (cavities or others).
- Polishing the teeth for a better bite and smooth tooth surfaces.
- Application of fluoride or sealants where necessary.
- X-rays, if necessary, to assess your pet’s dental health.
Signs of attention
If you notice an unpleasant odor in your pet’s mouth, it is likely that your pet needs a dental cleaning. It is recommended that you evaluate your pet’s oral health status yourself. After all, no one knows your pet’s mouth better than you do.
If you see green or brown spots on your pet’s teeth, you need to take her to the vet to determine the severity of the problem. Likewise, if you notice unusual redness or sores on his gums, it’s time for a visit to the vet.
You must be attentive to your pet’s eating patterns. If your pet has trouble chewing, or complains while playing, they are likely to have pain inside their mouth. In this case, oral cleaning becomes much more necessary.
How to Maintain Dental Health for Pets
After practicing a dental cleaning, you can take a series of very simple measures. These actions will help your pet to maintain its oral health in perfect condition.
Brushing your pet’s teeth once a week is a good way to keep his mouth in good shape. In addition, there are various toothpastes on the market for dogs or cats that help strengthen tooth enamel and eliminate bacteria.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to quite serious conditions, such as heart problems. These heart problems arise when bacteria from the mouth get into the bloodstream.
Your pet’s dental health is a vital part of their overall health and long-term happiness. Remember that, just like young children, a pet depends on you to take care of its health.
