Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.
Some key indications there could be a problem:
- Bad breath
- Broken or loose teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Pain in or around the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth
Although cavities are less common in pets than in people, they can have many of the same dental problems that people can develop.
Periodontal disease is the NUMBER #1 dental condition in dogs and cats. Did you know by the time your pet is 3 years old, he or she will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease. This will worsen as your pet grows older if effective preventive measures are not taken. Early detection and treatment are critical, because advanced periodontal disease can cause severe problems and pain for your pet. Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth. Other health problems found in association with periodontal disease include kidney, liver and heart muscle changes.
But why do I have to put my pet under anesthesia?
When you go to the dentist, you know that what’s being done is meant to help you and keep your mouth healthy. Your dentist uses techniques to minimize pain and discomfort and can ask you how you are feeling, so you accept the procedures and do your best to keep still. Your pet does not understand the benefit of dental procedures, and he or she reacts by moving, trying to escape, or even biting. General anesthesia makes it possible to perform dental procedures with less stress and pain for your pet. In addition, anesthesia allows for a better cleaning because your pet is not moving around and risking injury from the dental equipment. Although anesthesia will always have risks, it’s safer now than ever and continues to improve so that the risks are very low and are far outweighed by the benefits. Most pets can go home the same day of the procedure, although they might seem a little groggy for the rest of the day.
We offer free dental check-ups at both Bergview Veterinary Hospital and Onrus Veterinary Clinic. Call for an appointment today. We can advise on immediate and preventative measures. Take a minute – lift your dog or cat’s lip and take a peek … we can help! We have state of the art dental equipment and can help prevent future problems!
