When it comes to your pet’s pearly whites, we want you to know how to keep that smile bright. Protecting your pet’s dental health is more than just preventing bad breath. When you provide your pet with better oral health, you are also protecting your pet’s overall health and wellbeing. Ready to sink your teeth into what you need to know about your pet’s dental care?

Why Does Your Pet’s Dental Health Matter?

Your pet’s mouth is the window to their future health. For the most part, dogs and cats do not get cavities–this is because they rarely eat sugar. However, most family pets will contract gum disease. When cats, dogs, and other pets suffer from gum disease, they are at risk for shorter lives and severe pain.

When plaque and tartar build up on the gum line, your pet’s body sends white blood cells to combat the issue. This leads to gum erosion and can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and find their way to the vital organs, wreaking havoc.

What Can You Do to Improve Your Pet’s Dental Health?

1. Recognize the Signs of Dental Pain and Dental Disease

How often do you look at your pet’s teeth? We bet it’s not part of your nightly routine. While you don’t need to check your pet’s teeth daily, you should be on the lookout for these signs of dental issues:

  • Bad breath
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Yellow or white build-up along the gumline
  • Trouble eating
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Reluctance to eat hard food or treats
  • White spots or an eroding tooth (cats)

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to make an appointment to see us. Your pet’s oral health will likely not improve on its own.

2. Have Your Pet’s Teeth Examined and Cleaned Regularly

When you schedule a dental appointment, we will X-ray your pet’s mouth to get a better picture of their oral health. We can also professionally clean your pet’s teeth. During a cleaning, we will remove tartar and provide your pet with any other care needed like tooth extractions.

Will my pet feel uncomfortable? No. We use anesthesia and the latest technology to ensure your pet will be comfortable and heal quickly.

3. Provide Your Pet with Dental Chews, Brushing Sessions, and a Better Dental Diet

Improve your pet’s dental health by beginning a brushing routine. We can talk you through the process during your next appointment. It takes plaque 48-hours to become tartar. When you brush away that build-up, you are preventing dental problems from progressing.

If your pet struggles with tooth brushing, we offer other products that can protect your pet’s dental health.

Options include:

  • Dental chew toys
  • Dental treats
  • Oral rinses, sprays, and wipes
  • Water additives

You can also feed your pet food designed to clean their teeth as they chew!

Don’t Delay: Make Your Pet’s Mouth Healthier Today!

When it comes to your pet’s health, preventing dental issues is key to a longer, healthier, happier life. Our mission is to improve the lives of pets, no matter their shape or size. We’re ready to work with you to improve your pet’s health. If you’re ready to schedule a dental cleaning for your pet, please give us a call or make an appointment.

Image credit:  Anna Tóth | Pexels