Dental Care & Pets

Caring for our teeth and gums is part of our normal daily routine and many pet owners do not know that even our pets need to visit the dentist regularly.Periodontal disease occurs in pets as well as in people.

Is your pet's breath so bad that it could peel the paint off the wall? Most of us do not think about our pet's teeth and the health issues that arise by not keeping their teeth clean. A routine checkup for your pet is vital every 6 months or at least once a year to ensure that your pet stays healthy and lives a long and vital life. Animal's teeth become covered with plaque just as humans teeth do and also cavities can come up. If there is a cavity on one or more teeth in an animal, the expense is overwhelming to fix and if you choose to fix a cavity, you will be sent to a specialist where the dollars spent on a few teeth is really unbelievable. Or you can choose to just have your local vet pull the teeth if the tooth is in far stages of decay and the roots are not strong anymore.

When an animal's teeth become completely covered with plaque, the only way to have this removed is to take your pet to your vet and have the teeth cleaned. Brushing the teeth does very little in removing the plaque buildup. Plaque and tartar buildup create infection, which in turn causes the fowl odor from the mouth, as well as causing the animal to have a difficult time eating. If the infection is left untreated, it destroys gums and ends up destroying the tissue and the bones which support the teeth. Plaque is a colorless film that covers the teeth and contains bacteria which is the main cause of periodontal disease.

The machine that is used to clean the teeth is called an ultrasonic scaler. The tip of the scaler is placed on each tooth and removes the tartar and plaque and the tip is kept cooled by a stream of water that comes out once the scaler is turned on. Keeping your pet's teeth cleaned regularly will ensure healthy gums, bright smile and a happy pet.

After your pet's teeth are cleaned, ask your veterinarian about a prescription diet food called t/d which is specifically formulated to clean your pet's teeth even while they are eating. Prescription Diet T/D reduces bad breath, reduces the buildup of tartar, plaque and gingivitis. T/D is bite sized and squared shaped and pets love the taste.

Use toothpaste that is formulated specifically for animals because animals cannot digest human toothpaste properly and it is too foamy for them and will upset their digestive tracts and may cause vomiting.

Signs of periodontal disease are:

Foul smelling breath

Yellowish brown crust on the teeth

Bleeding gums

Not wanting to eat

Eating but having difficulty

Drooling

Loss of teeth

Start a preventative dental program with your pet today to keep your pet happy and to ensure a longer life.

Sources:

I worked as a veterinary technician for 10 years & learned a lot of valuable information.

DISCLAIMER:

I am not a licensed vet but I did learn many useful tips and information during my years working for one. The above information is intended for educational purposes only and shall not take the place of seeking professional advice from a licensed veterinarian.