HOW TO PROPERLY CARE FOR YOUR PET’S TEETH?

Pet dentistry is a key aspect of maintaining your pets comfort and health. While many pet owners focus on nutrition, exercise and vaccinations, they often disregard oral health. Dental issues occur frequently in both dogs and cats and may result in discomfort for your pet, make it difficult for them to chew, cause bad breath and even create an infection that affects other organ systems.

As do humans, pets require regular dental Care to stop the development of plaque, tartar buildup and gum disease. Routine monitoring of your pets dental needs will aid in preventing the development of dental issues while ensuring your pet remains healthy.

Why Is Dental Care Important for Pets?

Pet dental disease has been identified by veterinarians as one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions found in dogs and cats. Generally, pet dental disease develops when bacteria from within the mouth mix with food debris, resulting in a hardened film called plaque forming on the surface of your pets teeth. As time progresses, plaque can develop into a hardened material known as tartar, which causes inflammation of the surrounding gums and ultimately leads to periodontal disease.

Your pet may exhibit some signs of dental disease, including halitosis, red or inflamed gums, difficulty in chewing its food, loss of appetite (dropping its food), an increase in salivation, or tooth loss. In addition to physical symptoms, some pets may demonstrate behavioral changes due to their discomfort related to their dental issues. When left untreated, bacterial infections associated with dental disease can enter the bloodstream of your pet and potentially infect various organs in their body.

Proper dental maintenance practices help to minimize potential health complications and improve the quality of life of your pet.

1. Brush Your Pets Teeth Regularly

Brushing your pets teeth is one of the best ways you can keep them free from dental disease. It will help to remove plaque before it turns into tartar.

You should use a brush and toothpaste specifically made for pets. They make these things just for pets. Do not ever use human toothpaste; it contains toxic substances that can harm your pet.

As your pet gets used to the idea of having their mouth touched, start slowly (begin with short time frames) and let them get accustomed to the taste of toothpaste.

Brushing daily would be ideal, but even brushing every few days can greatly benefit your pet.

2. Provide Dental Friendly Chews and Toys

Chewing on certain types of dental friendly chew toys and items may assist in reducing the amount of plaque on your pets teeth. The act of chewing may aid in cleaning the surfaces of the teeth and supporting good gum health.

When purchasing any type of product for your pet, ensure that they are safe for your pet, the correct size for your pet and has been vetted for dental care. When selecting dental chew items, avoid very hard objects that could potentially break your pet’s teeth (e.g., bones, antlers, etc.), as well as excessively hard plastic toys.

Also, remember to limit the number of dental treats that you give your pet. Treats add calories and can cause excessive weight gain in pets.

3. Schedule Regular Veterinary Dental Examinations

Checkups at your veterinarian’s office will enable your veterinarian to evaluate the condition of your pet’s teeth and gums. If there are any early signs of dental disease, your veterinarian can determine an appropriate course of treatment.

Additionally, some pets may need a professional dental cleaning performed under anesthesia to remove tartar buildup, which cannot be removed via brushing. While your pet is under anesthesia, the veterinarian will be able to see inside areas of the pet’s mouth where the pet cannot reach (i.e., below the gumline) and detect any other potential dental issues.

The frequency with which your pet needs to receive a professional dental cleaning depends on many factors, including, but not limited to, how old your pet is, what breed of dog your pet is, their diet and individual dental health.

4. Feed a Healthy Diet

Maintaining good dental hygiene is a critical aspect of your pet’s overall wellbeing. A variety of oral care products have been developed to promote healthy mouths by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. In addition to regular cleaning, providing your pet with a well balanced diet will support overall gum health and your pet’s natural immune response. Excessive table scraps and sugar should be avoided because both are detrimental to your pet’s health, including dental disease.

Your veterinarian will assist you in selecting a product (diet) that best addresses your pet’s individual health needs.

5. Check Your Pet’s Mouth Regularly

Checking your dog’s mouth regularly will enable you to catch any potential dental issues before they become severe. Signs of possible dental issues may include:

• Bad breath
• Yellow or brown tartar on teeth
• Red or bleeding gums
• Broken or loose teeth
• Swelling around the mouth
• Difficulty eating

As soon as you recognize one of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian immediately. The sooner this issue is treated, the less likely he will need to endure pain due to dental conditions.

Conclusion

Caring for your pets dental health is just as important as maintaining their nutrition, grooming, and overall wellness. Proper dental hygiene will provide your dog with the tools necessary to ensure that his teeth stay strong, his gums remain healthy and most importantly, allow him to live a happier and healthier life.