Pet dental care is just as critical as human dental care. With regular oral care, you can protect your furry friend from getting dental diseases, such as periodontal disease.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions to help you understand more about pet dental health.
What Is Dental Disease?
Dental disease is a condition that occurs when plaque and bacteria build up on your pet’s teeth, affecting the gumline. In most cases, pets suffer from periodontal disease, which happens when bacteria and plaque get trapped below the gum line, causing inflammation of the gums. When bacteria are absorbed into the bloodstream, it can affect some major organs, such as the liver and kidney.
Why Does My Pet Need Regular Oral Care?
Pets are prone to painful dental problems, such as broken teeth, bleeding gums, and periodontal disease. If you do not regularly clean your pet’s teeth, these problems can worsen, affecting your pet’s overall health. Your veterinarian can catch the signs of dental issues at the early stages through regular checkups and thus save your pet from prolonged oral pain.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Dental Problems In Pets?
Some of the signs that your pet has dental issues include:
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty chewing
- Excessive drooling
- Discolored teeth
- Swelling of jaw or face
- Bleeding gums
- Aggressive behavior
- Broken Teeth
- Loose Teeth
- Bad breath
- Moodiness
If you see these signs, call your veterinarian for a checkup.
How Can You Prevent Plaque Buildup?
You can avoid tartar buildup by regularly brushing your pet’s teeth. You can use a pet’s toothbrush or a piece of cloth and a pet’s formulated toothpaste. Avoid using human toothpaste on pets, for it can cause serious intestinal problems in animals.
Also, you can use chew toys to help reduce the stuck plaque or food particles in your pet’s mouth. Note that hard chew toys are not good for your pet because they can cause jaw or tooth fracture.
How Often Should Your Pet’s Teeth Be Cleaned?
Like people, some pets have great teeth, while others have dental issues that require regular care. There are no specific timings to get your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned. It depends on your pet’s lifestyle, genetics, home dental healthcare, and jaw structure, which are the main determinants of how often your pet needs professional cleaning.
Does My Pet Have To Be Sedated During The Dental Cleanings?
Sedating is important for your pet to be still and calm during the dental cleaning procedure. Also, it saves your pet from pain during the procedure. During the checkups, your vet can examine your pet’s oral health to determine the best anesthesia to use.
How Long Does It Take To Clean Your Pet’s Teeth?
Dental cleaning and examinations are outpatient procedures. It only takes a few hours, and then you can go home with your pet. Contact our professional team at Country Veterinary Clinic in Live Oaks, California. We are a veterinary clinic looking to provide you with the best dental care, surgical care, and medical care.
Learn more about pet dental health procedures, contact Country Veterinary Clinic in Live Oak, California at (530) 491-4500 to book an appointment.
