Read on to discover 5 reasons why your pet dental cleaning is essential
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According to American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), about 80% of dogs and cats older than 4 years have some form of dental disease. Dental problems lead to chronic pain as well as other health issues. However, regular dental exams and cleanings can prevent several dental issues. Keep reading to find out signs that indicate your pet needs dental treatment.
Smelly Breath
- Although pets can’t be expected to have pleasant breath, a pet who requires a dental cleaning will particularly have smelly breath. Bad breath is one of the most common signs of potential dental problems. Since pets don’t get regular tooth cleaning, bacteria become trapped in their mouth.
Breath that smells like rotten eggs is the marker of periodontal disease. Having your pet’s teeth cleaned professionally at a pet clinic reduces the unpleasant smells coming from the pet’s mouth. In addition, regular check-ups can make a difference in the pet’s dental health.
Loss Of Appetite
- A pet’s behavior can give a lot of insight into the issues with their health. Pets with dental problems show difficulty chewing their food, loss of appetite, or interest in food. Lack of interest in food could also mean that your pet has an oral infection or inflammation caused by gingivitis. Gum disease makes it difficult for pets to chew their food, tough food.
Bacterial infections result in swollen or bleeding gums that cause substantial pain and discomfort. If your pet refuses hard food and is inclined to softer food, it is because of a dental issue that causes pain. If you notice any of these signs, bring your pet for a dental exam to rectify their dental problem.
Stains On Teeth
- The presence of brown stains on the surface of your pet’s teeth and around the gum line are indicators of tartar buildup. These issues must be addressed early on; otherwise, they can lead to severe dental infections.
Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly can prevent plaque buildup and the risk of gingivitis. Tartar and plaque can be easily removed by a professional cleaning. In addition, if you notice blood on your pet’s chew toy, it means the gums are bleeding or infected. Have them checked by a veterinarian right away.
Loose Teeth
- Contrary to popular belief, it is not normal for your cat or dog to lose teeth as they age. Tooth loss can be caused by chewing on something hard. Loose or broken teeth demonstrate a more severe dental issue. When teeth are not cleaned for long, bacteria begin to eat the surface that holds the tooth in place. If left untreated, it can lead to an infection that quickly spreads to the rest of the mouth.
Pawing And Drooling
A dental abscess leads to pain and discomfort. Pets who suffer from this condition drool excessively or paw at their face. The fourth upper premolar or the canine tooth is particularly at risk of an abscess. This can happen because of trauma to the tooth, fighting, bacterial infection, or chewing on hard items.
A dental abscess requires removal of the affected tooth and drainage of the spot. The veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to help treat the infection during recovery. Practicing good oral hygiene and regular dental care can prevent several dental issues. If your pet shows signs of dental disease, the sooner they receive the treatment, the quicker it will heal.
Yearly dental appointments are ideal for keeping dental issues at bay. At Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center, we perform a range of dental services, from cleanings to dental extraction, to help keep your pet’s mouth looking and feeling great. We are located in Charlottesville, VA. Appointments are conveniently available; call us at 434-971-9800.
