Dental care is essential to the overall health of humans, and it is also applicable to your pets. Therefore, you should bring them to the veterinarian at least once a year to get their teeth and gums checked for early signs of dental problems and keep their mouths healthy. Learn more about the importance of proper dental care for pets by using this article as your guide.
What Happens When My Pet Doesn’t Receive Proper Dental Care?
Pets generally rarely receive the dental care they need. Because of this, they develop a wide variety of dental problems. These include periodontal disease, which is caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth. These bacteria eventually create plaque, a film over the teeth. While the bacteria can die, they can get calcified, then create a calcified plaque called tartar. As a result, it can eventually lead to gingivitis and then an infection.
When left untreated, your pet can suffer from the late stages of periodontal disease. It means having destroyed tissues around the tooth and can cause a loose tooth if the socket that holds it in place erodes.
Your pet can also get broken teeth if they fail to receive ideal dental care. Worse, their broken tooth can expose the tooth’s nerve, which can be painful for them. When it gets infected, it can cause more problems.
Which Dental Treatment Is Ideal for My Pet?
Dental cleanings are essential not only for you but also for your four-legged companion. Once you head to a veterinarian, your pet will be put under general anesthesia. The treatment involves removing the plaque and tartar from the teeth and using a special polishing paste that smoothes out any scratches in the teeth’ enamel. Finally, a fluoride treatment or barrier sealant will be applied to strengthen and desensitize the teeth and prevent plaque development.
How Can I Take Better Care of My Pet’s Dental Health?
Regular dental cleanings from your pet’s veterinarian can promote optimal dental health. However, there are several things you can do at home to keep your furry friend’s teeth and gums healthy. One of these is daily brushing, which can prevent tartar and plaque buildup and periodontal disease.
To add daily brushing to your pet’s routine, go to your local pet store and invest in a high-quality pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. It isn’t always an easy feat, but you can save their teeth down the road by focusing on brushing them thoroughly.
You can help your pet learn to make toothbrushing as manageable as possible by allowing them to lick some of the toothpaste off of the brush. This way, they can get used to the feel of the brush and the taste of the toothpaste.
Conclusion
You may be told that regular tooth brushing, dental cleanings, and checkups are important for your overall well-being, but did you know that this type of proper care is also important for your pets? To provide your dog, cat, and other beloved companions with exceptional dental care, head to the nearest veterinarian near you or get the pet supplies they need from a trusted shop.
Let your pet receive their much-needed dental care. At Wags to Wiskers, we offer natural, holistic pet foods and pet supplies in Ludington, Ann Arbor, and Chelsea. Contact us to learn more about what we offer!