Dental health issues can lead to chronic pain and other health problems for your pet. Fortunately, many dental health issues can be avoided through routine dental exams and professional cleaning combined with a little extra care at home. Our Rock Springs vets share the signs of dental health issues in pets and easy ways to keep your pet's mouth healthy.
Your Pet's Dental Health
If you've ever suffered from a toothache you know how dental health issues can affect your overall health, from reducing your energy level to spoiling your appetite and the exhaustion of dealing with the pain.
When your pet experiences dental health problems it is much the same. If your pet develops tooth decay or periodontal disease they can experience significant chronic pain that affects their overall health and quality of life.
But how can you tell if your pet is experiencing dental health problems?
What Are The Signs Of Dental Health Problems In Pets?
Several signs and symptoms can indicate that your pet has dental health issues that need veterinary attention. If you notice any of the following symptoms it's time to call your vet to book a dental appointment for your pet:
- Bad breath
- Loose, broken, or badly decayed teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Brown or yellow teeth
- Obvious signs of tartar buildup
- Abnormal drooling
- Chewing, or dropping food from their mouth
- Reduced appetite
- Dropping food from their mouth while eating
- Pain in or around the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Swelling in the areas around the mouth
- Lack of energy
- Weight Loss
- Short temper
- Reluctance to play
Do Pets Need Their Teeth Cleaned?
Dental cleanings once a year can help to prevent the symptoms above from developing in your pet's mouth. Our vets believe that prevention is always better than treating a progressed disease.
Keeping your pet's teeth in tip-top condition can be easy. Annual professional dental cleanings including examinations, combined with a little extra care at home, can help keep your pet's mouth healthy and looking great.
What Is Involved In Professional Dental Cleanings For Pets?
To begin, your pet will be sedated so that the dentist can safely perform all the necessary work, and keep your pet calm and safe.
Once your pet has been sedated your vet will perform a comprehensive examination of your pet's mouth, checking for dental issues such as those listed above. Dental X-rays may also be taken to get a complete picture of your pet's dental health.
Your pet's teeth will then be thoroughly cleaned above and below the gum line to help treat and prevent decay and periodontal disease. In some cases, fluoride treatment and sealant will be applied to your pet's teeth to help protect against further plaque buildup.
After your pet's dental appointment is complete your vet will speak to you about any findings and let you know if further treatment is required. Pets with advanced dental issues may need to see the veterinarian more often for dental cleanings and examinations.
How Do I Care For My Pet's Teeth At Home?
Keeping your pet's teeth clean and healthy between appointments simply requires a little extra care.
Dog toothbrushing may be easier than you think. Traditional style toothbrushes (like you or I would use) or easy-to-use finger brushes are available from most pet supply stores, and when combined with a small amount of canine-specific toothpaste can make brushing your pet's teeth easy and fun for your pet.
Starting a brushing routine while your pet is a puppy will help to make oral hygiene a normal part of your pet's day.
If your pet will not tolerate you cleaning its teeth, you can find a wide range of treats, foods, and toys designed and formulated to help improve your pet's dental health.
When Can I Get My Pet's Teeth Cleaned?
To find out when your pet should have its first dental appointment, speak to your vet. Your pet's veterinarian will be able to assess the health of your pet's mouth and provide you with guidance as to when and how often you should have your pet's teeth cleaned. For most dogs, yearly dental appointments are ideal and keep dental health issues at bay.
Where Should I Get My Pet's Teeth Cleaned?
The good news is that getting your pet's teeth professionally cleaned can be as easy as booking an appointment with your vet. At Mountainaire Animal Clinic in Rock Springs our team of veterinary professionals can work with you to provide your pet with the very best oral health care. We perform a range of dental services from cleanings to dental surgery to help keep your pet's mouth looking and feeling great.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.