Dental care is vital to the overall health of any pet. Dental disease can lead to health issues with the heart, liver, and kidneys, and can affect the entire body through the bloodstream. In fact, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats over three years of age suffer from some form of dental disease, making it the most common pet health issue among our pet population.
In spite of these disturbing facts, many pet owners are not aware of the importance of dental care to their pet’s health. There are a lot of different ways to improve your pet’s dental hygiene, including home brushing, dental chews, and regular inspections.
The most effective way to protect your pet from dental disease is through professional cleanings. A routine dental cleaning includes an ultrasonic scale and polish to remove the plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces. Intra-oral radiographs are performed under anesthesia to allow the doctor to assess the viability of the tooth root and surrounding bone. After a comprehensive oral health assessment, it will then be determined if extractions are required.
If your pet has brown/yellow teeth, bad breath, or is having difficulty eating, these could all be signs of dental disease.