Dental health is a crucial aspect of your pet’s overall well-being, but many pet owners do not understand its importance. When your pet’s dental health is poor, so is their overall well-being. Our All Breed Pet Care team wants to ensure you have all the facts regarding your pet’s dental health, including dental disease signs, how to care for your furry pal’s teeth and gums, and how to treat dental issues.  

Dental disease signs in pets

Pets are good at hiding pain and illness signs. Some early dental issue signs, however, are obvious. Your pet may have dental disease if they exhibit the following signs:

  • Bad breath — Persistent bad breath indicates the presence of oral bacteria. If your pet’s breath is foul, they likely have dental disease, which can lead to more severe issues if left untreated.
  • Difficulty eating — Changes in eating habits, reluctance to chew, or pawing at the mouth usually indicate dental discomfort. If your pet exhibits these behaviors, schedule their dental checkup.
  • Excessive drooling — While some drooling is normal, an abrupt increase may signal dental problems. Look in your pet’s mouth for redness, swelling, or abnormalities. If your pet exhibits these signs, schedule their dental checkup

At-home dental care for pets 

A good home dental care routine for your pet can go a long way in helping prevent them from developing dental disease. Such a routine should include: 

  • Regular toothbrushing — Establish a consistent toothbrushing routine to remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup from your pet’s teeth. Use a pet-friendly toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste. Do not share your toothpaste with your pet, as its ingredients are toxic for dogs and cats. Ensure you brush every surface of your pet’s teeth and along the gumline. 
  • Balanced diet — A nutritionally balanced diet plays a pivotal role in helping your pet maintain healthy teeth and gums. Crunchy kibble helps remove plaque, and specially formulated dental treats can help get hard-to-reach spots that you might miss with  regular toothbrushing. Consult your veterinarian for advice about the best diet for your pet.
  • Chew toys — Provide appropriate toys to encourage your pet’s natural chewing behavior. This not only helps clean their teeth but also keeps them mentally stimulated.  Opt for toys made of nylon or rubber. Soft and pliable materials cause friction that helps remove plaque and aren’t so hard that they damage your pet’s teeth.

Treating dental disease in your pet

Despite your best efforts at home, your pet may still develop dental issues. To help alleviate your pet’s dental discomfort and prevent further complications, they need professional dental treatments, which may include: 

  • Dental examinations — Routine dental checkups are vital to allow our team to detect dental problems early in your pet. Issues, such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, or oral tumors, can be diagnosed during regular checkups, allowing for timely intervention. 
  • Professional dental cleanings — Our veterinary team strongly recommends that you schedule regular professional dental cleanings for your pet. During your furry pal’s professional dental cleaning, we remove stubborn tartar buildup and address all other oral health issues. To ensure your pet remains safe and pain-free during a cleaning, we give them anesthesia. In addition, we take dental X-rays to determine what is happening below the gumline, where 60% of a tooth remains hidden.
  • Oral medications — In some cases, our team prescribes oral medications, such as  antibiotics, which may be necessary if your pet has an oral infection. We always prescribe the most effective medication options for pets and guide owners on how best to administer the drug.

Long-term consequences of dental disease in pets

Neglecting your pet’s dental health can have serious and lasting consequences. Promote your pet’s oral health to prevent the following issues:

  • Tooth loss — Untreated dental problems may lead to tooth loss, affecting your pet’s ability to eat and causing them pain. 
  • Systemic health issues — Poor dental health is linked to systemic issues such as heart and kidney diseases. When your pet’s gums are compromised by chronic infection, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and make their way to major organs, causing damage.   
  • Increased veterinary costs — Forgoing your pet’s dental care could be costly because they will likely need far more extensive treatments if they have untreated dental disease. Regular veterinary checkups and preventive measures are cost-effective in the long run.

Prioritizing your pet’s dental health helps ensure that your furry friend has a long, happy, and healthy life. Schedule your pet’s dental checkup with our All Breeds Pet Care team.