Why Regular Vet Dental Cleaning is Crucial for Your Pet

 

Dental health is a crucial aspect of a pet’s overall well-being, and regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, a staggering 80% of dogs and cats have dental disease by the age of three. This statistic underscores the importance of dental care as a vital part of pet ownership.

Preventing Dental Disease Through Professional Teeth Cleaning

Dental disease, including periodontal disease, can lead to severe health problems if left untreated. Issues such as gum disease, loose teeth, and even heart problems can arise from poor dental health. Regular dental cleanings, combined with at-home dental care, play a pivotal role in preventing dental disease and promoting a pet’s oral health.

The Connection Between Dental Health and Overall Wellbeing

A pet’s dental health is closely linked to their overall health. Poor dental health can lead to a range of health problems, including bad breath, facial swelling, and weight loss. Dental cleanings are a critical component of routine dental care and should be performed by a veterinarian or a trained veterinary technician. The goal of these cleanings is to remove plaque and tartar from a pet’s teeth, both above and below the gum line, to prevent dental disease and promote good oral health.

By prioritizing dental health, pet owners can help their pets live a happy, healthy life, free from the pain and discomfort of dental problems. Regular dental cleanings are not just about maintaining a pet’s smile; they are about ensuring their overall health and well-being.

Causes and Prevention of Dental Disease

Dental disease is a common problem affecting dogs and cats, primarily caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on a pet’s teeth. Periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth, can lead to severe health problems if left untreated.

Regular dental cleanings, combined with at-home dental care, such as tooth brushing and the use of dental water additives, are essential in preventing dental disease. A pet’s diet also plays a significant role in the development of dental disease. Some foods are specifically designed to help reduce tartar buildup and promote oral health.

The American Veterinary Dental Society recommends regular dental cleanings and at-home dental care to help prevent dental disease and promote good oral health. Pet owners can also help prevent dental disease by providing their pets with dental treats and chews designed to reduce tartar buildup and promote oral health.

Early detection and treatment of dental disease are critical to preventing severe health problems. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify dental problems early on, allowing for timely intervention. By prioritizing dental health and taking steps to prevent dental disease, pet owners can help their pets live a long, healthy life, free from the pain and discomfort of dental problems.

A dental cleaning may include the following:

  • Removal of visible plaque and tartar from the teeth
  • Elimination of plaque and tartar from under the gum
  • Probing of dental sockets to assess dental disease
  • Polishing to smooth enamel scratches that may attract bacteria
  • Dental radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate problems below the gumline

  • Application of fluoride or a dental sealer
  • Removal or repair of fractured or infected teeth
  • Dental charting so progression of dental disease can be monitored over time
  • Inspection of the lips, tongue, and entire mouth for growths, wounds, or other problems

  • Removal of visible plaque and tartar from the teeth
  • Elimination of plaque and tartar from under the gum
  • Probing of dental sockets to assess dental disease
  • Polishing to smooth enamel scratches that may attract bacteria
  • Dental radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate problems below the gumline
  • Application of fluoride or a dental sealer
  • Removal or repair of fractured or infected teeth
  • Dental charting so progression of dental disease can be monitored over time
  • Inspection of the lips, tongue, and entire mouth for growths, wounds, or other problems

A tooth may look healthy, however when a radiograph is taken it can show signs of periodontal disease under the gumline.