6 Facts You Need to Know to Protect Your Pet’s Oral Health

Did you know that your pet’s oral health is just as important as your own? Just like humans, animals rely on their teeth to be able to eat properly. However, for our furry, scaled and feathered friends, their teeth also play many other roles – helping them to pick up and carry objects, scratch themselves to relieve irritation and even protect themselves if they encounter a dangerous situation. Studies have also shown that your pet’s oral health also has a direct impact on their overall wellbeing too. Unsurprisingly, this means that all owners should make their pet’s dental care a priority. Here are the top 6 facts you need to know to protect your pet’s oral health.

1 – Dental Disease Is More Common Than Cavities 

You could be forgiven for thinking that cavities – or decay – are the main dental issue facing our animals. However, their relatively low-sugar diets mean that it’s not cavities that owners need to worry about. It’s dental disease. Also going by the names gum disease, gingivitis, periodontal disease and periodontitis depending on its severity, this condition is caused by sticky plaque building up on your pet’s teeth and gums. The bacteria in the plaque causes bad breath, yellow teeth, red and swollen gums and even bleeding teeth. Over time, tooth loss and severe dental pain is inevitable. Protecting your pet from dental disease should be an urgent priority. The best way to do this is through proper oral care – brushing, dental treats etc, and regular visits to a veterinary dentist.

2 – X-rays Are An Essential Part Of Pet Dental Care

Did you know that as much as 70% of your pet’s teeth could be hidden below the gumline? Like us, our animals have long teeth that are partially obscured by gum and bone. Your pet’s teeth may look healthy to the naked eye, but in many cases, decay and gum disease starts below the gums and away from the naked eye. X-rays can be used to check the health and condition of their teeth below the gumline.

3 – Regular Professional Cleaning Is Recommended

Most people are raised with the habit of brushing their teeth twice a day – once in the morning and once at night. In an ideal world, owners should also brush their pet’s teeth – using a veterinary-approved toothpaste since human varieties are toxic to animals. A human toothbrush can be used. Brushing your pet’s teeth may seem impossible, but with practice, most animals learn to tolerate it. However, brushing at home isn’t enough. Regular professional cleaning by your veterinary dentist is also recommended. This is because your veterinary dentist has specialist tools and equipment, not to mention access, that makes it possible to perform an exceptionally thorough clean that picks up on those areas that may be missed when brushing their teeth at home.

4 – Regular Professional Dental Cleans Are Performed Using General Anesthetic

Regular professional dental cleaning is nearly always performed under general anesthetic. This means that your pet is asleep for the duration of the appointment, ensuring their safety as well as the safety of your veterinary dentist. It also reduces the stress that your pet will experience during their appointment.

5 – Dental Chews Are A Great Way To Protect Against Dental Disease

While brushing your pet’s teeth is the best defence against dental disease, dental chews and toys are also hugely beneficial. Most are created with an abrasive surface that rubs against your pet’s teeth while they chew them, helping to remove plaque, food particles and any other debris that may have found its way onto their teeth. Edible dental chews have the added benefit of containing ingredients that are proven to be good for oral health.

6 – What Your Pet Eats Could Affect Their Oral Health

Your pet’s diet may play a bigger role in their dental wellbeing than you realize. While most feeds may seem fairly low in sugars, heavily processed varieties usually contain much more sugar than you expect. There are specialized dental diets that are created specifically to target and reduce plaque and tartar build up and neutralize bad breath. They contain special nutrients that help them to achieve these results. If your pet is suffering from dental issues, they could benefit from a dental diet. Speak to your vet to find out more.

To book a visit or discuss any concerns that you have about their dental wellbeing, call (952) 595-6500 to reach our office in Lakeville, MN.