Why You Should Take Care of Your Pet’s Teeth
About 80% of dogs and cats above the age of three are affected by dental disease, according to a recent study. If your oral health isn’t in good shape, you’re more likely to get sick from ingesting toxins.
Complete and thorough dental care is essential for your pet’s health and wellbeing in general, not just its mouth. The pain, loss of teeth, and secondary health issues caused by bacterial infections, like heart, liver, and kidney failure, can all be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene at home for your pet.
Here are some of the many reasons why your pet’s teeth deserve proper care and attention:
Teeth brushing and flossing can help eliminate odorous bad breath
Everyone has a pet they adore, but few people would say they love their pet’s pungent breath. The ability to breathe in minimal odour is desirable, but a potent oral odour indicates serious dental disease. The bacteria that thrive in your pet’s mouth can be eradicated with daily brushing and regular dental checkups.
Consequences of dental disease can be severe
Periodontal disease, also known as dental disease, is the most significant oral health issue in pets, just as it is in humans.
Plaque buildup on teeth and gums due to poor brushing and flossing techniques basically leads to an infection of tissues carrying your pet’s teeth. Failure to timely seek treatment can lead to bleeding gums, discomfort when biting, and even tooth loss.
Getting your teeth checked on a regular basis can be a money saver
Inherited from us, the ability to conceal pain and other symptoms of illness in our pets has become ingrained in our own households. Unless you give your pet a thorough examination, you may not notice any signs of dental disease because more than half of the tooth structure is hidden below the gum line.
Despite the fact that regular dental checkups can save both you and your pet a lot of money in the long run, some pet owners are unwilling to spend the money on them if they do not see any signs of illness.
This is despite the fact that ignoring your pet’s teeth could cause them pain and other dental illnesses, which would require more visits to the vet and cost you more money in the long run.
Prevent potentially unpleasant experiences
Having dental problems is just as excruciating for pets as it is for people. The fact that animals suffer in silence is concerning. Taking care of your pet’s oral health can spare them from excruciating discomfort.
Stay safe from serious diseases
Animals deal with discomfort and illness very effectively. You won’t learn of their dental problem until it has already caused extensive damage to his mouth. Having your pet’s mouth checked on a regular basis can help you catch any oral health problems early, when they’re easier to treat.
There will be no tooth loss
Pets use their teeth for a wide variety of tasks outside of eating, such as picking up toys, carrying bags, and playing fetch.
A minor oral problem can develop into advanced periodontal disease and eventual tooth loss if your pet does not receive routine dental care.
Oral disease-causing microbes may thrive in the oral cavity’s void. This could make it difficult for your dog to eat and perform other tasks that require the use of his teeth.
Dental problems are a known cause of weight loss because
You may notice a significant change in your dog’s appetite if he is suffering from chronic dental disease, or he may simply stop eating altogether if he finds it too painful.
As a result, they quickly lose weight and develop an impaired immune system because they aren’t getting the nutrients they need to function properly. Because of the compromised immune system, your pet is at increased risk for contracting additional diseases.
Jaw fractures are a real possibility for your pet
Unless they receive regular dental care, our pets are at risk for developing abnormal dental conditions like abscessed teeth and periodontal disease.
The jawbone of our pets gradually becomes very weak and fragile due to these diseases. A jaw fracture can be caused by something as simple as eating crunchy kibble or jumping off a table.
Extraction of teeth can be avoided with routine dental care
When periodontal disease progresses to its advanced stage, it destroys the bone tissue that holds teeth in place. When the supporting bone and gum tissue around a tooth become infected, it is no longer possible to save the tooth, and extraction becomes necessary.
Daily tooth brushing and checkups with the vet can prevent dental disease from progressing to the point where tooth extraction is necessary.
The effects of poor dental health extend throughout the body
The effects of oral disease on your pet’s health extend far beyond the mouth and teeth.
Once bacteria and other germs have infected your pet’s teeth and gum tissues, they will enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, wreaking havoc on vital organs like the liver, heart, and kidneys.
Should you clean dogs teeth every day?
Maintaining your dog’s oral health does not require daily tooth brushing, but it does require a consistent routine. It’s best to brush your teeth at least twice a day, but if that’s not feasible, you should try to brush at least three times a week.
You should give your dog a daily tooth brushing, as well as dental chews, toys, and a diet designed to promote dental health. It’s also crucial to take your dog to the vet for regular dental checkups and cleanings to maintain a clean and healthy mouth.
Some dogs may initially resist having their teeth brushed, so it’s important to be patient and introduce the routine slowly using positive reinforcement methods.
Is it too late to start brushing my dog’s teeth?
Taking care of your dog’s teeth is something you can start doing at any time. Your dog’s teeth should be cleaned and checked regularly no matter what age they are.
But if your dog’s dental disease has progressed to an advanced stage, a professional teeth cleaning by your vet may be necessary before you can begin your regular at-home care routine.
It’s best to ease your dog into regular tooth brushing sessions. If you want to brush your dog’s teeth, you should first let them smell and lick toothpaste from your finger, and then let them lick it off a toothbrush.
Make it as pleasant as possible by using positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. Start off brushing your dog less frequently and for shorter periods of time until he or she is used to it.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, taking care of your pet’s teeth is an essential part of overall pet care and plays a critical role in maintaining their overall health and well-being. Regular dental check-ups and teeth cleaning, along with a proper diet, can help prevent dental problems such as tartar buildup, gingivitis, and tooth decay.
The best way to protect your dog from serious disease is to practice regular oral hygiene and have your dog’s teeth regularly checked.
By providing your pet with regular dental care, you can help them live a longer, happier, and healthier life. It’s important to work closely with your veterinarian to establish a dental care plan that’s appropriate for your pet’s needs.
Remember, dental health is not only about the teeth, but it also has an impact on the pet’s overall health, so it’s crucial to take it into consideration when taking care of your pet.