Tips for Taking Care of the Dental Health of Your Pet

According to popular belief, oral cleanings and check-ups should be done once a year for excellent dental health. We often don’t hear how vital these cleanings are for our pets. We know that pets seldom get adequate dental care, resulting in periodontal disease in 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by three. Consequently, we’re here to help pet owners understand the need for appropriate dental care for their cats and dogs and provide them with the skills to give it.

Basic Dental Care for Pets

Dental care for your pet might help them avoid various dental issues. Let’s look at why appropriate pet dental care is so critical.

What are some of the prevalent dental problems?

Periodontal Disease

A bacterial infection in the gum is known as periodontal disease. On the teeth, plaque is a film created by bacteria. Germs may calcify when they die due to your pet’s saliva calcium. Tartar is a hardened plaque that may progress to gingivitis, resulting in a root infection. In the late stages of periodontal disease, the tissues around the tooth are destroyed, and the socket that holds the tooth in place erodes, resulting in the tooth being loose.

Broken Teeth

Antlers and bones, for example, are hard toys and treats that might cause your dog or cat’s jaws to break. Your cat may be uncomfortable if the nerve of a damaged tooth is exposed. Furthermore, the exposed nerve might get infected, producing even more problems for your cat. At this time, the tooth must be pulled.

From preventive care and surgery to diagnostics,  you can meet all of your pet’s medical care needs at this vet clinic.

How can a veterinarian help your pet?

A veterinary dentist will put your pet under general anesthesia for a veterinary dental cleaning unless it is impossible due to a medical risk. This is done to protect both your pet and the veterinarian. Using dental equipment, the veterinarian will remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. 

Next, the veterinarian will polish the teeth’ enamel using a specific paste to eliminate scratches. A fluoride treatment or a barrier sealant will be applied to assist strengthen and desensitize the teeth while also reducing plaque formation.

Does your pet need dental surgery? The veterinarians at Sears Veterinary Hospital provide dental surgeries for dogs and cats. These surgeries can range from tooth extractions to gum disease treatment.

What things you can do for your pet?

Because veterinary dentistry can remove plaque buildup, regular dental cleanings are essential for dogs. There are a few things you can do at home, though, to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. Brushing your pet’s teeth is the most effective way to maintain their oral health. 

Brushing your cat or dog’s teeth will help reduce tartar and plaque accumulation, both of which can lead to periodontal disease. While brushing your pet’s teeth regularly may not always be done, focusing on brushing them often may help protect their teeth in the long term. You may begin gently brushing your pet’s teeth by obtaining pet-specific toothpaste and a conventional or finger toothbrush.