When was the last time you had your pet’s teeth cleaned? According to the AVMA, pets who have never had a teeth cleaning have signs of dental disease by the time they are three years old. For that reason, Mollet Pet Hospital and Urgent Care recommends that all pets have a yearly dental cleaning and oral examination.
Gum Disease in Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats are prone to developing the same types of dental diseases and problems as humans, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, staining and cavities. The process of dental decay and disease starts every time your pet eats. When your pet eats, food particles get on their teeth and gums. This fuels the bacteria in your pet’s mouth, causing an acid attack on the enamel of their teeth and creating a sticky, clear substance called plaque. If the plaque is left on teeth, it hardens into tartar. When plaque and tartar are left on your pet’s teeth for an extended period of time, it can lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease, cavities and oral infections.
Signs of Dental Disease in Pets
When it comes to detecting potential oral health problems in pets, owners must be vigilant in noticing changes in behavior. This is because pets often do not act like they are in pain until the pain is severe. If you notice any of the signs below, it is important that you contact us to schedule a dental checkup, teeth cleaning and gum disease treatment.
- Broken or Loose Teeth
- Discomfort While Eating
- Extremely bad Breath
- Staining on the Teeth
- Red, Swollen or Inflamed Gums
- Weight Loss or Loss of Appetite
The Hazards of Untreated Periodontal Disease in Pets
Untreated periodontal disease in dogs and cats can lead to dangerous infections, like abscesses and blood infections. Advanced dental disease may also affect your pet’s heart, liver and kidneys. In order to avoid these potentially life-threatening conditions, it is important to keep your pet’s teeth clean with a combination of at-home care and regular veterinary teeth cleanings.
Pet Dental Cleanings in Edmond
Mollet Pet Hospital and Urgent Care recommends that all dogs and cats receive their first dental checkup shortly after they are weaned and at least once a year for every year of their lives. Pet dental checkups include an examination of your pet’s head, neck, face, ears and mouth in order to check for signs of health problems. Once the basic examination is complete, your veterinarian will completely clean all the plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth and below the gum line. Once your pet’s teeth are clean, we can give you tips and tricks to help you remove food particles and plaque at home between professional pet dental cleanings, like pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes as well as dental chews.
Are you an Edmond pet owner looking for pet dental care? Mollet Pet Hospital and Urgent Care is an Oklahoma-based veterinarian center that offers pet diagnostics and dental care services. Caring for your pet’s dental health is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your pet’s overall wellness. Following are the answers to several questions our veterinarian frequently receives regarding pet dental care.
What is pet dental care?
Just like humans, animals can develop dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, plaque buildup, oral infection, bad breath, or periodontal disease. Whatever the issue is, the pet owner should be able to find a veterinarian that specializes in animal-based dental care.
How do I know if my pet needs dental care?
As a pet owner, you should check your pet for bad breath, rotting teeth, or odd behaviors such as excessive licking. If your animal displays any of these symptoms, then he or she may have a dental issues oral issue that needs professional attention.
What are some common dental problems for animals?
Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental health issues in animals. This disease is a gum infection that damages gums and spreads to different areas of the mouth. Gingivitis is another common disease, usually caused by abnormal bacterial growth in your pet's mouth. If your pet has a broken tooth or a fractured jaw, it can lead to abscesses or infections in the mouth. Tumors and cysts can also cause problems for your pet.
Does my pet need a dental cleaning?
Brushing your pet's teeth is a popular preventative measure used to prevent dental disease. However, some pets will not let their owners brush their teeth. If your pet will not let you brush its teeth, consider scheduling a pet dental cleaning with our veterinarian. Most vets will recommend teeth cleaning as well as an examination to get a full view of the animal's oral health. Your pet will be placed under anesthesia to make the process as easy and safe as possible.
How often should a pet receive dental care from a vet?
Our veterinarian recommends you schedule a pet dental cleaning once per year.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian for Pet Dental Care in Edmond, OK
At Mollet Pet Hospital and Urgent Care, we have provided residents of Edmond, OK with reliable veterinary services including pet diagnostics and pet dental care for many years. Call us today at (405) 463-0600 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.