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Dental Care

The Pet Parent Guide to Staying Dental Aware in Fair Oaks, CA

Pets are not immune to dental problems that affect not only their health but also their well-being, just like humans. As pet owners in Fair Oaks, CA, we are an exceptionally dedicated breed when it comes to our pets, so we need to educate ourselves on the importance of dental health for your pet. Routine dental care prevents all of these health issues, allowing your pet to live a longer, happier, and healthier life. In this article, we will discuss why dental care is important for your pet, common dental problems they may encounter, tips to maintain dental hygiene in your pet, and when it is necessary to reach out to Fair Oaks veterinarian.

Why Dental Care for Pets is Important

Pet dental care, however, is often a neglected subject, even though a pet’s dental health can contribute to its overall health condition. Lack of dental hygiene can result in painful oral diseases, tooth loss, or other serious health problems.

  • Avoiding Pain and Discomfort: Plaque buildup on the teeth is common in pets (particularly dogs and cats) and can lead first to gingivitis (which is inflammation of the gums) and then eventually to periodontitis (severe gum disease). If ignored, these can be quite painful to your pet and impact their ability to eat, chew, and even play.
  • Protecting Overall Health: Besides dental pain, untreated dental diseases can have consequences on other aspects of your pet’s health. When dental bacteria travel through the bloodstream, it can lead to problems with vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Hence, taking care of your pet’s dental hygiene becomes integral to their lifespan.
  • Improved Quality of Life: An oral healthy pet is a more comfortable one, who eats easier and leads a higher quality life.” Oral hygiene reduces the chances of having bad breath, tooth loss, infections, and other problems which gives you a healthier and more contented pet.

Frequently Encountered Dental Complications among Pets

Pets can have all the dental issues humans face. Knowing about these issues is the first step in knowing how to prevent and treat them properly.

  • Tartar and Plaque Buildup: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that coats the surface of your pet’s teeth. If plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing, it hardens and becomes tartar. Tartar build-up can lead to more than just gum disease; it can also inflict extreme pain on pets who may suffer from swollen, bleeding gums and experience tooth loss.
  • Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the preliminary stage of gum disease wherein the gums become inflamed, red, and bleed. It happens when plaque and tartar irritate the gums. Gingivitis is usually reversible with proper oral hygiene, but it can progress to periodontitis if left untreated.
  • Periodontitis: Periodontitis is a more serious gum disease that happens if gingivitis is left untreated. This means the tissues supporting the teeth with bones are destroyed. Pets with periodontitis frequently have loose teeth, halitosis, pain, and trouble eating. At this stage of dental disease, you may need to remove or have it done professionally.
  • Tooth Fractures: Accidental fractures are common in pets that chew on hard items, such as bones and hard toys. A cracked tooth can be exceedingly painful and require treatment.

And though dental care is a critical part of your pet’s overall health, it’s often left behind. Recognizing the need for dental care, knowing the range of dental diseases that can affect pets, and building a regimen of brushing, dental treats, and veterinary check-ups for dental care can help assure your pet has a long and comfortable life ahead with a happy smile.

The best way to prevent dental disease & other related health problems is to work closely with your veterinarian to develop a personalized dental care plan for your pet.