subject: Your Pet's Health: The Importance of Dental Care [print this page] Your Pet's Health: The Importance of Dental Care
Most pet owners understand the importance of preventative health care in helping their pets live a long, happy life. Having a yearly veterinary visit to check your pet's heart and lungs, get vaccines, and monitor weight and diet is a common practice. Pet owners will make sure their pet is well groomed and clean, and properly exercised. One area many pet owners aren't aware of, though, is dental care. Dental care for pets is as important as it is for people.
Dogs and cats have many of the same issues with their teeth as people do. Tartar build up is a common problem, as well as gingivitis in the gums. Loose and broken teeth are common, especially in dogs, while cats seem more prone to caries (cavities). Dental care is a serious issue: ignoring any of the above conditions can result in everything from bad breath to heart disease!
Dogs that chew improper items, such as rocks and wood can break teeth, or have infected splinters stuck in the gums that need to be found and removed. Most pets will begin to develop some tartar by the time they are two years old, and tartar that is left to build up can become toxic. It will cause infection and irritation in the gums, which may cause your pet to lose appetite, resulting in weight loss and poor general health. Left longer, it can cause infection in the tooth sockets, and even the jaw bone. The toxins, once in the bloodstream, can have serious effects on the heart, causing arteries to become blocked or inflamed. The most severe cases lead to bone infections or heart attack, which can be fatal. The best way to prevent severe dental problems is to ask your veterinarian when it is time for a general teeth cleaning.
For a true cleaning, your pet will go under general anesthesia, for the pet's comfort and so that an effective deep cleaning can be done. Having your pet's teeth cleaned with an ultrasonic scaler breaks up and removes the tartar from the tooth surface and under the gum line, where it can build up and cause infection. A thorough exam will be done for loose teeth and caries, and bad teeth will be extracted. The dental finishes with a tooth polishing, and often an antibacterial rinse. The pet may be sent home with antibiotics and/or pain medication, depending upon the condition the teeth were in.
It is never too late! Even in severe cases, most pet owners will see a noticeable improvement in their pet's demeanor after a cleaning. The removal of dead and infected teeth reduces pain, allows the immune system to work up to its full capacity, and generally allows the pet to feel better. Older pets will especially benefit, though your veterinarian will run blood work before the dental to make sure they are safe for anesthesia.
Caring for your pet's teeth is important. Help them live comfortable, happy lives by keeping up with their dental health.
