When it comes to our furry friends, their health and happiness mean everything. At PetCare Animal Hospital, we place a lot of emphasis on routine and preventative care, and a significant part of this is your pet’s dental health. Regular dental care for our pets isn’t an extra; it’s essential! It’s about much more than keeping bad breath at bay—although, let’s be honest: that is a nice perk.
Ignoring your pet’s dental health can result in severe health issues, including infections that can spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular dental check-ups are crucial because, like humans, early detection and treatment are vital to preventing serious complications. Proper dental care plays a significant role in maintaining your pet’s overall health, longevity, and quality of life.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is not only one of the most common health conditions affecting adult dogs and cats; it’s almost entirely preventable. This disease starts when bacteria in the mouth form plaque that sticks to the surface of the teeth. Over time, minerals in the saliva harden the plaque into dental calculus (aka tartar), which can spread under the gum line. This can lead to painful gingivitis and, if left untreated, will develop into periodontal disease.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Stage 1: Gingivitis
The gums become red and swollen, and bad breath may be noticeable. Periodontal disease is reversible at this early stage with proper dental care and regular cleanings.
Stage 2: Early Periodontitis
Slight loss of bone and gum attachment occurs, which is irreversible, but the progression can be halted with appropriate treatment.
Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis
At this stage, you may notice more obvious gum recession. There could be some bleeding during brushing or when chewing hard food. Your pet might also start to exhibit discomfort while eating.
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis
This is the most severe form of periodontal disease, featuring significant bone loss, severe gum recession, and possible tooth loss. Pets often show signs of severe pain, which may affect their behavior and eating habits.
The Role of Veterinary Dental Care
We recommend annual dental check-ups as part of our comprehensive pet wellness care. During these visits, we thoroughly examine your pet’s mouth and can take care of any early signs of problems with professional cleaning. For many pets, especially those in the early stages of periodontal disease, these cleanings can significantly improve their overall dental health and prevent a host of problems down the road.
What Happens at My Pet’s Dental Cleaning?
If you’ve ever wondered what a dental cleaning for a dog or cat is like, you’re in luck! Read on for a quick primer on what goes on behind the scenes at a typical routine dental procedure.
Safety First: Your pet will receive a complete exam before the procedure, including any pre-surgical diagnostics recommended by your vet.
A Custom Plan: Using the information from above, a tailored anesthetic and pain control plan is created for your pet. Once anesthetized, your pet is continuously monitored by both a trained technician and modern anesthetic monitoring equipment.
Pretty as A Picture: Around 60% of a pet’s tooth is below the gumline, and this is also where many dental problems begin. Dental X-rays are essential to evaluating your pet’s dental health and are vital to every procedure.
Assess, Clean, & Polish: This part looks much like a human’s dental cleaning! Each tooth is checked, and the gums are probed for signs of gingivitis. The teeth are cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner and polished for a fresh smile.
If your pet needs additional services like dental extractions, your veterinarian will thoroughly discuss these with you and review your options. If needed, your pet may be sent home with pain medications or antibiotics. We’ll have a complete set of customized discharge instructions ready when you come to pick your pet up!
At-Home Dental Care Tips
In addition to regular veterinary visits, here are some at-home tips to keep your pet’s teeth healthy:
- Brush Regularly: Use a toothbrush designed for pets along with pet-safe toothpaste.
- Dental Chews and Toys: These products are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
- Diet Choices: Some pet foods are formulated to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. They can be an excellent complement to your pet’s dental care.
If you have any questions about how to get started brushing your pet’s teeth or the right dental chews or diet for your furry friend, we’re here to help!
Healthy Teeth, Happy Pet
Remember: taking care of your pet’s teeth is a crucial part of their overall health. Don’t wait for bad breath, pain, or other signs of dental disease to become noticeable. Preventive dental care can save your pet from unnecessary pain and health issues and prevent you from having to address more serious and costly issues down the road.
Contact us today at (770) 965-3773 to schedule a dental check-up or learn more about how we can help maintain your pet’s smile!