Dental issues in our furry friends are common and often overlooked. Many pet parents are unaware of the importance of dental health for their pets, which, like humans, requires regular maintenance. Approximately 85% of pets suffer from some form of dental disease, which can lead to infections spreading to other parts of the body.
1. Why does my pet need a professional dental cleaning from my veterinarian?
Like in people, for our beloved pets, dental health care is vitally important to the overall health and well-being of your pet. The professional dental cleaning conducted at a veterinarian's office mirrors that of a dentist's office. Dogs and cats begin showing signs of periodontal disease by the age of 3, as plaque bacteria causes gingivitis, characterized by inflamed gum tissue (often evidenced by bleeding during brushing or flossing). Early gingivitis is reversible, but without intervention, periodontal disease can lead to irreversible loss of gum and bone tissue around the tooth roots. Annual veterinary check-ups offer opportunities to address dental issues and prevent future complications.
2. Does my dog or cat need their teeth brushed routinely?
Yes, similar to humans, plaque builds up on pets' teeth rapidly. Regular brushing with pet-specific toothpaste and a pet friendly toothbrush helps maintain oral health by reducing plaque and bacteria. Human toothpaste must be avoided due to its high fluoride content, which may upset pets' stomachs.
3. How can I recognize dental disease in my pet?
Bad breath is often the first sign of dental disease. Redness, tartar buildup, inflamed gums, and bleeding at the gumline are indicators of advanced stages. A professional dental cleaning with a veterinarian is recommended if any of these signs are present. These indicators are signs that tell the veterinarian that there could be an issue going on under the gumline requiring a full oral evaluation including full mouth digital x-rays just like in human dentistry. As anyone with a toothache will tell you, they can be painful and cause overall health issues, and the same is true with our pets
4. Can I remove tartar and plaque at home?
Once established, plaque and tartar are challenging to remove with home care products. Professional veterinary cleaning followed by daily home care is the recommended approach.
5. Is Anesthesia-Free Dental Cleaning Safe for My Pet?
Anesthesia-free dentistry offers basic dental hygiene but cannot treat the majority of the dental disease found in most dogs and cats. Most pets won't tolerate a comprehensive oral evaluation without anesthesia, resulting in the inability to assess the inner surfaces of their teeth. This limitation can lead to overlooked conditions such as periodontal disease, oral tumors, and dental abscesses.
Moreover, anesthesia-free cleanings can be distressing for your pet. Without understanding instructions to relax from the hygienist, they may feel anxious during the procedure. To keep their mouth open and body still, they would require restraint, causing stress and discomfort.
While anesthesia-free cleanings may superficially improve tooth appearance by scraping off visible buildup, they don't address underlying dental issues. The unseen buildup below the gum line poses a significant risk to your pet's oral health. Since these areas cannot be adequately cleaned while your pet is awake, they remain vulnerable to infection and disease.
Non-anesthetic dental cleanings have grown in popularity but shouldn't be used as the only method of examining and cleaning your pet's teeth. At Markham Woods Animal Hospital, we prioritize your pet's dental health to ensure they enjoy a happy and healthy life. Schedule your pet’s dental consultation today 407-682-3233