Did you know that your pet’s oral health has a huge impact over his overall wellness? In fact, pet dental care is essential for ensuring a truly healthy pet’s vitality and longevity. The team at Kestrel Veterinary Hospital has put together this guide to help you take better care of your pet’s teeth and gums and to figure out when it’s time for a dental checkup.
Health Starts With the Mouth
Food particles left in the mouth can combine with oral bacteria, and can create a filmy substance that sticks to teeth. This by-product is called plaque, and will eventually turn into tartar if left untreated. These bacteria can cause infections and periodontal disease that can travel through your pet’s bloodstream and affect other vital organs like the heart and the kidneys.
Dental Health for Pets
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, has four stages. The first, gingivitis, is characterized by bleeding, swollen gum and inflammation in the mouth. The last stage is characterized by broken teeth, bone loss, and severe pain.
Top 3 Signs It’s Time for a Pet Dental Checkup
We encourage all pet owners to check on their pet’s teeth and gums as much as possible. The top 3 signs that your pet could benefit from a dental exam, professional cleaning, and digital X-rays are:
- Yellow or brown teeth: Any discoloration on the teeth signals the need for attention. If there is a yellow-brown build up on the surface of the teeth, primarily right on the gum line, it’s time to get them checked out. Plaque and tartar are probably to blame, and with a scaling, cleaning, and polishing, their teeth will look white and sparkly in no time.
- Bad breath: Nobody loves kitty or doggie breath, but it’s even worse when a pet has a foul smell coming from her mouth. Halitosis is a sign that oral bacteria has spread. If left alone for too long, this sign of dental disease can lead to progressive, irreversible health conditions. By acting as soon as you notice bad breath, you’re giving your pet the chance to fight this issue.
- Eating Habits: If your previously food-obsessed pet suddenly shows no interest in their bowl, you should closely observe their behaviors. A disinterest in food can lead to weight loss, lethargy, and social withdrawal. These changes in behavior may start slowly, and are often subtle enough to escape notice. A pet might also drop food or chew on one side of the mouth if there is an oral issue present.
Dental Check-Up for Pets
If it’s been a while, or your pet has never had their teeth professionally cleaned, now is the perfect time to get back on track. If you have questions about dental procedures, and what you can do to promote good dental habits at home, we’re always happy to help you at Kestrel Veterinary Hospital.