Your Furry Friends Need Dental Care Too

Pet dental care is just as important as human dental care. Just like "bad" teeth can harm the health of people's heart, brain and gums; they can be detrimental to the health of dogs and other animals. Pet's teeth and gums should be checked periodically by a qualified veterinarian for early detection of gum disease.

Benefits of Veterinary Dentistry

A veterinary who specialize in veterinary dentistry is most qualified to handle an animal's oral health care. Veterinary dentistry covers cleanings, fillings, tooth repair, adjustments and extractions. The process that leads to great oral health care for pets began with an oral exam, followed by X-rays of the jaws, roots and gum line. Most dental problems begin beneath the gum line, making it difficult to physically see what is taking place.

A thorough cleaning and evaluation of the gums can reveal any problems that might be building up. A dental cleaning consists of removing plaque and tartar building up as well as a thorough polishing of the teeth. Pets should have their teeth checked at least once per year, or sooner if any problems are observed.

Recognizing Signs of Poor Teeth

There are definitely signs you can look for in your pet to determine whether he or she needs to see a veterinary dentist, including:

• Swelling in the mouth
• Pain in the mouth
• Refusal to eat, including reduced appetite
• Discolored teeth
• Bad breath
• Loose or broken teeth
• Bleeding from the mouth or gums

Pets become irritable and frustrated when they are experiencing dental problems. Any unexplained behavior problem is a red flag and should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Although pets are generally friendly, pain can cause some pets to react with a bite. This is due to their frustrated and irritable state.

Risks of Untreated Dental Problems

Pets experience some of the same dental problems people do if their dental care is not taken seriously. Untreated dental problems can lead to cavities and more problems. Untreated dental problems also can cause:

• Abscess or teeth infection
• Periodontal or gum disease
• Root damage due to broken teeth
• Fractured or broken jaw bone
• Cleft palate or palate malfunction
• Mouth tumors and/or cysts

Gum disease is most common in cats and dogs and only gets worse as they age. Early detection and treatment can prevent the severity of the disease from causing more damage to the teeth, gums and roots. Other diseases that occur due to untreated dental care are liver and kidney disease, and changes in the heart's muscles. To prevent periodontal disease in pets and protect their health, make it a point to have their teeth checked annually.

There are definitely signs you can look for in your pet to determine whether he or she needs to see a veterinary dentist, including:

• Swelling in the mouth
• Pain in the mouth
• Refusal to eat, including reduced appetite
• Discolored Teeth
• Bad breath
• Loose or broken teeth
• Bleeding from the mouth or gums