Many pet owners are aware of the importance of taking control of their pet’s dental care and few are surprised by the positive effects on Fluffy or Fido’s overall wellness when a dental care routine is underway.
However, just because you know that caring for your pet’s oral health is important, doesn’t mean that it’s not challenging to get into the full swing of pet dental care – that’s why we are here to support your endeavor.
Let’s review why dental care matters to your pet, and how you can influence his or her whole body health at home.
Why Is Pet Dental Care So Important?
You may remember our recent blog on pet dental care which details the integral role you have in the state of your pet’s dental health. Because of the frequency with which we see and treat pets with dental disease, in addition to the critical connection between oral and overall health, we are re-visiting the topic.
Good Health Starts In The Mouth
Pet owners are accustomed to annual visits to the dentist and have possibly endured the results of poor dental hygiene first-hand. Imagine what is going on in your pet’s mouth without yearly cleanings (let alone a daily or weekly effort) to remove plaque and tartar.
Periodontal disease (gum disease) results when tartar, made from the calcium salts in saliva, forms on uncleaned teeth. This, paired with excessive amounts of plaque, creates the following symptoms of periodontal disease:
- Foul breath (halitosis)
- Drooling
- Broken or worn teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Loose teeth
- Swollen mouth, gums, or jaws
- Bleeding from mouth
- Loss of appetite or eating difficulty
- Pawing at the mouth
- Inflamed gums
- Pain while eating
- Behavioral changes
A majority of our patients have periodontal disease in one stage or another, but with a committed dental routine, symptoms are either preventable or treatable. If ignored, consider that periodontal disease is linked to heart, kidney, and liver disease.
The Pet Dental Care Trifecta
If you employ dental chews, bones, rinses, or foods that are designed or the removal of plaque and tartar, keep in mind that these products alone aren’t enough to maintain proper pet dental care. Routine oral exams, dental cleaning under anesthesia, and at-home brushing create the all-important pet dental care trifecta that supports your pet’s whole body health.
When we start poking around in your pet’s mouth at their regular wellness exam, we can really only see about 30% of what is going on. The majority of your pet’s dental issues are teeming below and beneath the gums, which necessitates digital dental x-rays. Pet’s undergoing anesthesia are tested prior to the procedure to ensure safety and monitored throughout the cleaning or treatment.
Consider that brushing your pet’s teeth at home could be one more opportunity to show how much your pet means to you. Like grooming, your pet may feel extra special afterward and enjoy the bonding experience together.
Early Intervention Is Key
Take an active role in your pet’s dental care by subscribing to the above mentioned trifecta to have excellent insurance against disastrous consequences. Keep your pet’s pearly whites healthy and strong with proper dental care and contact us with any questions. We are always happy to help.