Why Regular Pet Dental Cleanings Are Important

You are often told that routine dental cleanings and checkups are crucial to preserving good oral health. What you don’t always hear is how the same care and maintenance is essential for your pets. Imagine how your teeth would look and feel if you didn’t brush them for weeks or years. Here are the reasons why regular pet dental cleanings are important.

1. Eliminates Bad Breath. Does a whiff of smelly sulfur compounds from your pet’s breath make your nose hairs curl? Perhaps you have been neglecting your beloved companion’s dental health. The primary cause of halitosis (bad breath) in dogs is gum disease arising from plaque and tartar buildup. If you keep your pet’s mouth healthy, then bad breath won’t be a problem.

2. Prevents Tooth Loss. Once the soft tissues and bones that support your pet’s teeth deteriorate or get infected, the teeth may start to loosen and eventually fall out. Sticking to a good dental care routine will keep these teeth-supporting structures strong and healthy, thus your tiny friend’s teeth in place.

3. Avoids Organ Damage. There are hundreds of bacteria found in dental plaque. These microbes can enter your pet’s bloodstream and spread to its vital organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. This spread of bacteria that causes infection in the blood can damage the organs and make your pet sick. Regular pet dental cleanings can help prevent this severe bacterial infection and subsequent organ damage.

4. Keeps Dental Diseases From Worsening. Dental disease is one of the most common major health problems of dogs and cats. As a matter of fact, more than 80 percent of dogs and about 70 percent of cats display symptoms of dental disease by the time they turn three years of age. Nevertheless, good oral hygiene practices early on can keep any dental health problem from developing in the first place, and even prevent dental diseases from progressing.

Essential Dental Care Tips for Your Pet

It’s great that you give your four-legged best friend lots of love and attention, and plenty of exercises. But, are you taking care of your pet’s oral health as needed? Stay ahead of any risk of dental problems by sticking to the crucial oral hygiene practices below:

• Brush your pet’s teeth every day using a pet toothpaste.

• Watch their diet and offer appropriate treats and chews.

• Keep up with your pet’s professional dental cleanings and never skip its annual veterinary exam.

• Look out for signs of dental disease and call your vet when something doesn’t seem right.

By helping your dog or cat maintain proper dental hygiene, you increase your chances of successfully avoiding a wide array of dental diseases. Remember that your little friend could be in pain, and you may not even have a clue about it. A professional will be able to catch whatever could be going wrong in your pet’s health that you might have missed.

Show your pet that you care. Visit Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center today in Cave Creek, Arizona, and we will help keep those teeth and gums clean and healthy. Call us now at (480) 595-8600 to make an appointment.