Why is Pet Dentistry Important for Your Pet's Health?

Did you know your furry friends need good dental hygiene, just like we do? Pet dental care is very important, but sometimes pet owners can forget about it. This piece will explain why taking good care of your pet’s teeth is key to their health and long life.

The Importance of Pet Dentistry

Pet dentistry is often overlooked, but it is just as important as regular vet visits. Why, you ask?

Prevention of Diseases: Dogs, cats, and other household pets can fall prey to a number of dental diseases, just as humans can. Pet dentistry is crucial as it aids in preventing these diseases. Brushing your pet’s teeth and providing them with dental chews can help prevent oral conditions like tartar buildup, periodontal disease, and more. Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth can also prevent bad breath or oral odor.
Early Disease Detection: A regular dog exam can identify the early signs of oral diseases like tooth decay, gingivitis, cavities, and periodontal diseases. The earlier any health issue is detected, the better the chances of successfully treating it with minimally invasive procedures. Regular dental check-ups can not only help identify dental problems but can also help spot early symptoms of more serious systemic diseases. This is because a multitude of health issues like diabetes, kidney diseases, and even some types of cancers have oral manifestations.
Overall Health Check-up: Routine dental care forms an integral part of your pet’s overall health plan. Poor oral health can lead to a host of other medical conditions that can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Thus, ensuring your pet has a clean bill of oral health not only guarantees a set of strong teeth but also an overall healthier life.

Benefits of Routine Vet Dentist Exams

Just as you regularly visit a dentist, it is important for your pets to have routine check-ups with the vet dentist. What can these regular examinations do for your pet?

Disease Prevention: Regular check-ups are often a pet’s first line of defense against diseases. A vet dentist can spot early warning signs that go unnoticed in day-to-day life and can prevent potential diseases from progressing into severe health problems. For instance, a vet can diagnose periodontal disease before it leads to painful tooth loss or even heart disease.
Health Maintenance: Regular dental cleanings not only make your pet’s teeth shine, they also help maintain your pet’s oral health by preventing the buildup of tartar and plaque. A professional cleaning by a vet dentist improves your pet’s dental hygiene, preventing the likelihood of tooth decay or gum disease.
Pet Wellness Exam: A visit to the vet dentist is more than just a dental check-up. It provides a holistic wellness exam for your pet. Vets often conduct a physical examination along with dental cleaning. They can check for any changes in your pet’s health, behaviour, weight or appearance that could signal potential health issues. Early detection can often mean smoother and less invasive treatment plans.

Pet Dentistry Procedures

Sometimes, pet oral care involves more than just at-home brushing. Let’s look at some dental procedures and why we need them.

Dental Prophylaxis: This is a comprehensive dental cleaning procedure performed under anesthesia. It includes the removal of dental plaque and tartar, and a detailed oral examination. This depletion of tartar helps prevent periodontal disease and improves overall dental health.
Dental X-rays: X-rays help vets see what’s going on below your pet’s gum line. Humans can tell their dentist if they feel discomfort or pain, but pets cannot. Dental X-rays in pets help identify any hidden problems that may contribute to oral pain and disease.
Extractions: Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a tooth can become severely damaged or decayed. In such cases, an extraction helps ensure that the overall health of your pet remains unaffected. The need for extractions or any other surgical procedures can be determined during a dog exam.

Vet Surgeries

Resolving some critical health issues in pets may require surgeries. Let’s look at what these might entail.

Dental Surgeries: Oral surgeries may sometimes be needed in pet dentistry. This can include things like tooth extractions, root canal treatment, or even tumor removals in some cases. A skilled veterinary surgeon, like those at a Johns Creek Veterinary Clinic, will perform these surgeries with utmost care and precision.
Disease Treatment: Surgeries in veterinary medicine are performed to treat a wide array of diseases in pets. This ranges from certain cancers and joint or ligament damage to other chronic diseases like hip dysplasia or cataracts. Pet surgeries often require skilled vets, patience, and recovery time, but they can contribute to a greatly improved quality of life.

Keeping a Tab on Your Pet’s Diet and Exercise

Lastly, do remember that your pet’s dental health is also dependent on their diet and exercise.

Dental Diets: Certain types of food can help clean your pet’s teeth while they’re eating. These often include dry dog/cat foods, which scrub the teeth while being chewed, or specific dental chews and treats available in the market. To make sure your pet is on a diet that promotes dental health, consult your vet.
Exercise: Not only does regular exercise maintain your pet’s physical health, it also contributes to their dental health. Chewing on toys not only strengthens their jaw muscles but can also help keep their teeth clean! A good round of play also means a good amount of chewing, which helps keep your pet’s gum healthy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we must remember that pet dentistry isn’t just aesthetics; it’s a significant part of their overall health and well-being. Regular dental care – daily teeth brushing, yearly vet dentist visits, and appropriate measures to ensure oral health – can prevent serious health issues and costly surgeries later. No less important, it can add more happy and healthy years to your pet’s life. After all, the real treasure lies not in your pet’s sparkling smile but in their pain-free, healthy life!