A friend once asked me why he should have his dog’s teeth cleaned. I stared at him in absolute horror. How could he even ask me such a commonsensical question like that?
However, for several other people who have pondered this question, I will try my best to explain why it is important to have your dog’s teeth cleaned.
I visit my dentist twice every year to have my teeth polished and scaled, and despite brushing my teeth twice daily, the dirt and plaque are a lot to behold.
Just like us, the dental health of a dog contributes to its overall physical health. Many dogs experience tooth issues within the first years of their lives, and failure to follow good oral hygiene can have catastrophic consequences for your dog.
While an at-home oral care routine is important because it helps control the build-up of plaque, visiting the veterinary dentist regularly for professional cleaning is the best way to keep your pet’s mouth healthy and clean.
If you are from Texas like me, typing the keywords “veterinary dentist near me” and “veterinary Houston TX” will narrow your options considerably.
If the veterinary dental specialist is not visited at least once yearly, plaque build-up will occur. This can lead to bad breath, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and in extreme cases – tooth loss. This is potentially dangerous to your pet’s overall health, as periodontal disease can lead to heart disease and other organ-related ailments. This is because bacteria could get into the bloodstream via the mouth, and from there, it could infect other organs.
Keeping plaque off your dog’s teeth?
The importance of the observation powers and keen alertness of dog owners cannot be overestimated. The tips listed below help maintain the oral health of your dog:
- Daily brushing of your dog’s teeth and removal of debris or plaque with a finger brush.
- Providing your dogs with dental chews, food, or treats designed to help prevent plaque build-up and tartar.
- Use plaque prevention products (your veterinary dentist can recommend reputable ones) that you can apply to your dog’s teeth and gums. These products are useful in preventing the build-up of plaque.
Steps taken by vets during professional teeth cleaning?</h2
Your veterinary dentist will complete an exam, looking for signs of dental problems, such as swelling, stinky breath, broken or loose teeth, discolored teeth, pain or bleeding in or around the mouth, and plaque build-up. You should also consider letting your vet know if your dog has symptoms, such as abnormal chewing, dropping food from the mouth, drooling, or reduced appetite, which may indicate tooth pain.
This evaluation will also determine whether your pet is healthy enough or not for anesthesia. Once your pet has been safely anesthetized, a full oral exam (tooth-by-tooth) and charting will be done.
They will also clean and polish their teeth below the gum line while safely under anesthesia. Every tooth is queried and radiographed, after which a fluoride treatment is used. A dental sealant will also be applied to fight plaque. If advanced periodontal disease is identified, they will create a treatment plan and review it with you.
Safari Veterinary Care Center, veterinary Houston TX, and animal vet clinic are affordable pet clinics that provide overall dental care, including professional cleanings, x-rays, and more.
Do not hesitate to contact them if you have concerns that need addressing.
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