Preventing Pet Periodontal Disease
Taking care of your pet’s teeth is key to his overall health. Good pet dental health means fresh breath and an absence of painful conditions like periodontal disease. Unfortunately, too many pets live with periodontal disease, and it affects their overall health.
The good news is you can make sure your furry friend avoids periodontal disease with a few simple habits. Today, the team at Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital would like to share a bit more about the importance of pet dental health.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection that irritates and damages the tissues that support your pet’s teeth. It starts with plaque buildup, which hardens into tartar and causes inflammation in the gums (also known as gingivitis).
Left untreated, the infection can get worse and lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and even damage to other parts of the body. Bacteria from periodontal disease can spread through the bloodstream and affect your pet’s organs.
That’s why it’s so important to stay ahead of pet teeth cleaning and overall dental care!
Why Pet Teeth Cleaning Matters
Routine pet teeth cleaning is one of the best ways to avoid dental problems. It gets rid of the plaque on your furry friend’s teeth before it has time to harden into tartar. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends brushing your pet’s teeth with pet-safe toothpaste every day. If you can’t quite make that happen, aim for at least 2-3 times per week.
You can also support dental care for pets by:
- Offering dental chews or toys designed to help reduce plaque (and give your pet something fun to do!)
- Giving your pet food that’s specially formulated to improve oral health
- Scheduling regular veterinary checkups and dental cleanings with your vet
Your veterinarian may recommend a thorough dental exam and cleaning once a year. This procedure is crucial for removing tartar from hard-to-reach areas below your pet’s gumline, so talk to your vet about a dental-specific visit ASAP if it’s been a while.
How to Spot Signs of Dental Disease in Pets
Since our pawsome pals can’t tell us when their oral health feels not-so-great, it’s important to look out for signs of dental disease in pets. Here are a few red flags to watch for:
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
- Trouble eating or chewing
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Loose, broken, or missing teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a visit to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your pet may need a rigorous dental cleaning and procedures to treat any damaged areas of the teeth or gums.
The skilled team at Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital can provide expert dental care for your pet. If your pet is showing signs of dental disease or it’s been a while since she had a dental cleaning, call us today at (916) 726-2334 to schedule an appointment!