Pet Dental
Dental health for your pet is extremely important for the overall health of your pet. Without proper pet dental care, dental problems may lead to other health problems. Along with routine care at home, it is essential for your pet to have their teeth and gums examined annually by your veterinarian in Johnston. Gum disease is one of the most common diseases that occur in pets, so brushing is essential, but unlike humans, your pet cannot rinse and spit, so it is important to use veterinary recommended toothpaste.
Veterinarian Dental Exams
When you take your pet in for veterinary dental care, during the examination the veterinarian in Urbandale will thoroughly clean the teeth as well as do any adjustments, filing, repair or extractions. These types of pet dental procedures should only be professionally done, so be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible if you suspect your pet may be having dental problems, especially if you notice any of the following:
- Loose or broken teeth
- Bad breath
- Reduced appetite or refusing to eat
- Abnormal drooling, chewing or food dropping from their mouth
- Bleeding in the mouth
- Extra teeth
- Discolored teeth or teeth that are covered in tartar
- Swelling in the mouth area
- Pain in and/or around their mouth
Common Causes of Pet Dental Problems
Although pets generally experience cavities less than humans do, they can have a lot of the same dental problems that humans can develop, including:
- Misalignment or malocclusion of their teeth and bite
- Tumors and/or cysts in the mouth
- Infected teeth
- Broken teeth
- Damaged roots
- Periodontal disease
- Palate defects
- Fractured/broken jaw
Prevention is the best way to reduce the risk of oral disease in pets. Regular brushing is the most important thing you can do to maintain good oral health for your pet. Although it may not always be possible to brush your pet’s teeth daily, brushing several times weekly can be effective in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If you aren’t sure of the best way to brush your pet’s teeth, be sure to talk with your veterinarian for recommendations on how to accomplish brushing as well as the best products to use for your pet.
