Maintaining good dental health is essential for our furry companions’ overall well-being. Just like us, pets can suffer from a range of dental problems, including plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These pesky problems not only cause discomfort but can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. That’s why it’s important for pet owners to prioritise their furry friends’ dental hygiene.
Taking care of your pet’s dental health isn’t complicated. By including simple practices into your daily routine, you keep their teeth and gums healthy for years to come. Regular brushing, dental chews and toys, and veterinary checkups are just a few ways to promote good oral hygiene in your pet. Also, being mindful of the foods you feed them and starting dental care routines early will also help their dental health journey.
Steps You Can Take To Maintain Good Dental Health For Your Pet
Keeping your pet’s oral health doesn’t have to involve dental dramas. Let’s delve into the simple practices you can do in more detail to ensure your pet’s smile shines as bright as their personality.
Regular Brushing:
Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly is like giving them a daily spa treatment. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste made for pets, and start with gentle strokes. Make it a routine of a few sessions each week. Over time, your pet will get used to it, and you’ll become a pro at keeping their teeth clean and healthy.
Dental Chews and Toys:
Treat your pet to dental chews and toys designed to help clean their teeth. These products come in various shapes and textures, all aimed at reducing plaque and tartar buildup. It’s like giving your pet a fun way to maintain their dental hygiene while they play. Honestly, can they make these products for us humans too?
Dental Diets:
Consider feeding your pet bestie specially formulated dental diets. These foods are designed to promote dental health, featuring textures or formulations that help clean teeth as your pet chews. It’s an easy way to support your pet’s oral hygiene during mealtime.
Regular Veterinary Checkups:
Schedule routine checkups with your veterinarian to examine your pet’s teeth and provide professional cleanings if needed. They can also offer advice on maintaining your pet’s dental health at home, so they have a smile that’s as healthy as can be.
Monitor for Signs of Dental Problems:
Keep an eye out for signs of dental issues, like bad breath, discoloured teeth, or swollen gums. If you see these, consult your vet right away. Early detection and intervention helps prevent dental problems from getting worse.
Avoid Certain Foods:
Be mindful of the foods you’re feeding them and avoid items that are harmful to their teeth. Steer clear of sugary treats and hard, sticky foods as they are known to contribute to dental issues. Choose dental-friendly options that promote good oral health.
Start Early:
Introduce dental care routines to your pet as early so they get used to them from the get-go. Starting early makes it easier to maintain their dental health as they grow older, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Bad Breath (Halitosis):
While the occasional bout of bad breath is not unusual in pets (or humans), if it persists or is particularly gross, it probably indicates an underlying dental issue. Halitosis is often caused by the buildup of bacteria in the mouth, leading to plaque formation, gum disease, or tooth decay. If your pet’s breath consistently smells foul, get it evaluated by a veterinarian.
Changes in Eating Habits:
Your pet’s eating habits can be indicators of dental discomfort. If they are in pain they may be reluctant to eat, favour one side of the mouth while chewing, drop food while eating, or take longer to finish meals. Indicating chewing or swallowing may be uncomfortable due to dental issues, so ring your vet promptly for an assessment and treatment.
Excessive Drooling:
While some drooling is normal, excessive drooling isn’t. Conditions such as gum disease, oral infections, mouth injuries, or foreign objects lodged in the mouth can lead to increased salivation. If you notice your pet drooling more than usual, and it’s accompanied by other signs of dental discomfort, book an appointment with your vet straight away.
Visible Signs of Dental Problems:
Take a closer look at your pet’s mouth for any visible signs of dental problems. Swollen, red, or bleeding gums, discoloured teeth, broken or loose teeth, or unusual growths anywhere else can all indicate underlying dental issues. Regularly inspecting your pet’s oral cavity helps detect abnormalities early so they can be treated by your vet and not get worse.
Changes in Behavior:
Dental pain or discomfort causes changes in your pet’s behaviour. They can get irritable, withdrawn, or display signs of aggression, especially when approached near the mouth. They may not like being touched around the mouth area or show signs of struggle when eating or drinking. If any of these happen, once again, visit your veterinarian for a comprehensive dental examination.
Pawing at the Mouth:
Pets experiencing dental pain may try to ease the pain by pawing at their mouth or face. This is often caused by dental issues such as toothaches, gum inflammation, or oral injuries. Persistent pawing at the mouth warrants veterinary attention as soon as possible.
Dropping Food:
Difficulty chewing or holding food in the mouth due to dental issues can cause pets to drop food while eating, indicating pain, discomfort, or difficulty manipulating food with teeth. Guess what you should do if you notice this behaviour? Call your vet!
Swelling or Lumps:
Swelling or lumps in the mouth, face, or neck area can be signs of dental problems, including abscesses, cysts, or tumours. These abnormalities may be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, difficulty eating, or changes in behaviour. Prompt veterinary evaluation is necessary to determine the cause of swelling and provide appropriate treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.
Blood in Saliva:
Blood in your pet’s saliva or on chew toys may indicate gum disease, oral injuries, or other underlying dental issues. Bleeding gums are a common sign of periodontal disease, a condition caused by bacterial infection and inflammation of the gums. If you observe it in your pet’s saliva or notice bleeding during chewing or grooming, seek veterinary care to address the underlying dental problem and prevent further complications.
Why It’s So Important to Book An App With Your Vet If You Notice Any Symptoms Of Poor Dental Health
Yes, we know we said it over and over and over again above. But booking in with your veterinarian as soon as you start seeing signs of poor dental health is super important for their overall health and well-being. Like any medical or dental conditions in humans, early detection and treatment is the best way to prevent issues getting worse, or even life-threatening. We’ve outlined the reasons below why booking an appointment straight away is essential when detecting signs of dental issues with your pet.
Expert Diagnosis: Veterinarians have the training and experience to accurately diagnose dental health problems in pets. They can conduct thorough oral examinations, including visual inspection and possibly X-rays, to identify issues such as periodontal disease, fractured teeth, oral tumours, or infections.
Tailored Treatment Plans: Based on the diagnosis, veterinarians can develop a treatment plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs. This may involve a combination of procedures such as dental cleanings, extractions, or other interventions to address underlying issues like gum disease or dental abscesses.
Prevention of Complications: Dental problems in pets can lead to serious complications if left untreated. For example, untreated periodontal disease can result in tooth loss, oral infections, and even damage to vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys if bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream. By addressing dental issues early on, veterinarians can help prevent these potentially life-threatening complications.
Pain Management: Pets may experience pain and discomfort due to dental problems, especially if they have tooth decay, fractures, or gum disease. Veterinarians can provide appropriate pain management, which may include pain-relieving medications or local anaesthesia during dental procedures, to alleviate suffering and improve your pet’s quality of life.
Educational Resources: Veterinarians can also educate pet owners on proper dental care techniques and preventive measures to maintain their pet’s oral health. This may include recommendations for at-home dental care such as regular tooth brushing, dental chews or treats, and oral rinses. By empowering pet owners with knowledge and resources, veterinarians can help them take an active role in their pet’s dental care and overall well-being.
Recent global studies have shown that greater than 80% of dogs and greater than 70% of cats over the age of 3 years have dental disease.Heading to the vet when you see signs of dental problems is important for accurate diagnosis, tailored treatment, prevention of complications, effective pain management, and ongoing education to promote oral health and overall wellness. Working alongside your veterinarian can help ensure the best possible outcomes for your pet’s dental health.
Your furry (and not so furry) companions deserve the very best care, especially when it comes to their dental health. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Matraville Veterinary Practice as your go-to destination for all your pet’s dental needs!
At Matraville Vets, we understand that your pet means the world to you. That’s why we’re dedicated to ensuring they have a long, happy, and healthy life. Our team of friendly and experienced professionals treats every pet as if they were our own family, providing compassionate care tailored to their individual needs.
From routine check-ups and vaccinations to advanced dental procedures, our newly renovated practice is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to deliver exceptional service and quality care.
We believe in putting your pet’s health and wellbeing at the forefront of everything we do. Our goal is to work alongside you to help your beloved companions live their very best life.
So, why wait? Book an appointment with Matraville Veterinary Practice today and let us help your pet shine with a bright, healthy smile! Drop by to see us – we’re here to help you and your furry friend every step of the way.