Pet Dental Health: Is Dental Care Necessary for My Pet?
Proper dental care is necessary for your pet, both for their oral hygiene and overall health. Attending to your pet's dental needs is an essential part of their care and your responsibility as an owner.
It's important to take care of your pet's dental health by providing regular dental checkups, brushing their teeth, and offering them dental-friendly treats.
Pangel™ is your partner in pet care, and we want you to know that pet dental care is one of the pet essentials all owners need to be well informed about!
It's Not Just About Bad Breath
Although bad breath is something often associated with pet dental problems, good dental care means much more than that.
Just like humans, pets can suffer from a host of dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay; however, your pet's dental health affects more than just their teeth.
If left untreated, these conditions can cause pain, discomfort, and even infections that can spread to other parts of the body. In severe cases, dental problems can lead to organ damage, heart disease, and other serious health issues.
According to Graham Thatcher, clinical assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, "The mouth is one of the gateways to all other body systems. Poor oral hygiene and poor oral health have repeatedly been linked to poor health in other organ systems."
Thatcher wants owners to know that plaque bacteria that originates in the mouth could potentially enter the bloodstream and infect other areas of the body with bacterial pathogens. (1)
Because pet dental problems that are left untreated could threaten more than just their mouth, we encourage you to adopt a robust pet dental health routine. Here's some insight on how.
Positive Pet Dental Habits
Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions in pets. At least 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease by the time they're three years old. (2)
You can lower the chances that your pet struggles with a dental issue by adhering to a few helpful habits. Here are our five top tips for establishing good dental hygiene for your pet.
1. Regular Brushing: Brush your pet's teeth regularly with a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Start slow and be gentle, making sure your pet is comfortable with the process.
2. Dental Chews: Give your pet dental chews or toys designed to promote healthy teeth and gums. These can help remove plaque and tartar buildup.
3. Dental sprays: these sprays are designed to freshen your dog's breath and kill bacteria in their mouth. They're easy to use and can be a good option for dogs who don't like having their teeth brushed.
4. Healthy Diet: Feed your pet a healthy and balanced diet that is free from excessive sugar and carbohydrates. These can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
5. Regular Checkups: Schedule regular veterinary checkups to have your pet's teeth and gums examined. Your veterinarian may recommend a professional dental cleaning if necessary.
Signs of a Dental Issue
Early detection of an issue can significantly reduce the potential damage a pet dental issue can cause. A responsible owner must keep an eye out for signs.
Your pet may be experiencing a dental problem if you notice:
Bad breath
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Excessive drooling
Teeth that are discolored or have visible tartar buildup
Missing, broken, or loose teeth
Changes to your pet's eating habits, such as swallowing their food whole without chewing it or even a loss of appetite
Pawing at the mouth
If any of these signs are present, be sure to consult with your veterinarian right away.
Pet Dental Appointments: What to Expect
While it's important to get your pet to a vet if they've shown any signs of dental distress, most pets will benefit from annual checkups. Here's what you can expect when you schedule a pet dental appointment.
The veterinarian will perform a thorough examination of your dog's teeth and gums. They will likely take X-rays to check for any underlying problems.
Your veterinarian will discuss their findings and recommendations with you and answer any questions you may have.
Professional Pet Dental Cleaning
If necessary, your pet may receive a dental cleaning, which involves scaling and polishing. Scaling is a procedure that removes tartar and plaque from the surface of the teeth and gum line. Polishing involves smoothing the teeth's surfaces to deter future plaque and tartar buildup.
Expect anesthesia to be used during a pet dental cleaning. There are several important reasons your pet care provider may choose to sedate your pet for the procedure.
Anesthesia during dental visits is used:
To prevent fear or pain during the procedure
To ensure thoroughness of the cleaning
To keep your pet safe and secure
In some cases, extractions may be necessary to remove severely damaged or decayed teeth.
The goal of a pet dental appointment is to ensure that your furry friend has a healthy and pain-free mouth!
Support for the Health and Safety of Your Pet
Pangel™ exists to help you keep your pets healthy and safe. It's our mission to assist owners in creating the safest environment for their pets and provide valuable knowledge and support for all areas of pet ownership.
In addition to taking necessary steps toward physical health, like dental care, pet owners should also consider important safety precautions. A pet health app like Pangel™ is exactly what you need to ensure your pet is cared for by a trusted individual at all times, even when you're unavailable.
Explore the Pangel™ app for pets and discover how it functions as an integral part of a comprehensive pet care plan. With our convenient 14-day trial, you can test out the tools and features in the app and tailor the experience to your preferences and your pet's needs.
Don't neglect your pet's dental needs or risk the safety and security of your pet at any time. Choose Pangel™, and rest assured you'll always have the protection and support you need!
"Protect Your Pet's Teeth: Top Tips from a Veterinary Dentist." UW School of Veterinary Medicine, 13 Feb. 2019, www.vetmed.wisc.edu/protect-pets-teeth/.
"Dental Care." Compassion Animal Hospital, compassionah.com/services/dental-care/.
