Good dental hygiene is just as important to pets as it is to people. Routine dental care will protect your pet from dental problems like discolored teeth, bleeding gums, tooth infections, and periodontal disease. These FAQs from Compassion Vet Hospital explain why dental care is so important to pets.
Why does my pet need routine dental care?
Poor oral care is the leading cause of tooth infections, bleeding gums, and periodontal disease in pets. In addition to damaging your pet’s teeth and gums, these issues can escalate into major medical issues that affect your pet’s overall health. Periodontal disease, for example, can spread into your pet’s bloodstream and cause damage to internal organs. Through routine dental care, you can keep dental issues at bay to protect your pet’s teeth and overall health.
How can I tell if my pet has dental problems?
By watching out for the following signs, you can determine if your pet requires dental care:
- Foul breath
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Discolored teeth
- Excessive drooling
- Loose or discolored teeth
- Loss of appetite due to pain when chewing
- Swollen face or jaw
- Aggressive behavior due to tooth or gum pain
If your pet is showing signs of painful dental issues, contact us for a checkup. The sooner dental problems are detected, the sooner your pet can get treatment to preserve his teeth.
How often should I schedule a pet dental exam or cleaning?
That depends on your pet’s oral health. We recommend having your pet’s teeth checked and cleaned at least once a year. Pets with poor oral health may need cleaning more often.
What can I expect from a pet dental exam and cleaning?
Our veterinarians will thoroughly examine your pet’s mouth, teeth, and gums for signs of abnormalities or gum disease. We’ll take x-rays of your pet’s teeth to examine bone health under the gum line where bacteria can breed. Cleanings involve scaling your pet’s teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup, particularly under the gum line. We’ll finish by polishing his teeth to leave them smooth and clean.
Why do pets need to be sedated for dental procedures?
We use anesthesia for our dental procedures to keep your pet still, calm, and pain free while examining and cleaning his teeth. Our staff can do a better job if your pet isn’t squirming about or trying to bite them during dental procedures.
See Us for Pet Dental Care
To schedule a dental exam or cleaning for your cat or dog, contact Compassion Vet Hospital at (603) 938-5500. Routine dental care can keep dental issues at bay so your pet can enjoy good oral health.