Why Pet Dental Care is So Important

If you are like most pet owners, you make sure your dog or cat undergoes yearly exams and receives the appropriate vaccinations. However, you might have questions about why veterinarians consider pet dentistry such an important part of wellness care.

Advice from Our Durham Veterinarian

The worst enemy of your pet’s mouth is periodontal disease, also called gum disease. Our Durham veterinarian says it is the most common pet dental disorder.

Periodontal disease is the result of the collection and build-up of plaque on the surfaces of your pet’s teeth. Without consistent teeth cleaning, it also collects around the gums. As the amount of plaque in your pet’s mouth grows, it can result in infection in the bone surrounding your cat or dog’s teeth.

Another potential cause of periodontal disease is dental tartar, composed of calcium salts from saliva. Tartar forms quickly when a pet’s teeth are not clean. Its rough surface is a magnet for plaque.

Dental X-rays might be required to determine the extent of a pet dental problem. The end result of plaque and tartar can be an infection that spreads to internal organs and becomes life-threatening. Pets that suffer from dental disease also face the possibility of the loss of one or more teeth. Bad breath, lots of drooling, and inflamed gums are all signs that animals need pet dentistry care.

A Dental Care Partnership

The best pet dental care is a partnership between teeth cleaning at home and professional care from our veterinarian. Your pet should undergo a dental check at least once a year, typically as a part of the animal’s annual wellness exam.

For pet dentistry procedures like in-depth exams, dental X-rays, teeth cleaning and scaling, our staff carefully evaluates your pet before anesthesia. With persistence on your part, your pet will accept daily tooth brushing. We are happy to show you the right technique and recommend the right products and toys for thorough home care; our hospital’s top priority is maintaining your pet’s health.

What questions do you have regarding the appropriate dental care for your pet?