For some pet owners, the idea that animals should have regular dental care may seem unnecessary. After all, wild animals live out their lives without ever having their teeth brushed, cleaned or treated. However, in modern times veterinary professionals have found that regular dental care can help prevent dental disease in pets, which willhelp our companions live a longer life. While some may pursue regular dental care for their beloved pet for aesthetic reasons, it is more important to consider the many health benefits associated with this veterinary service.
Freshening an Animal’s Breath
When humans have bad breath, they usually seek out help from a fresh stick of gum, mouthwash or toothpaste. However, animals do not typically have access to such conveniences and they certainly would not have the ability to freshen their breath on their own if they did. Some pet owners tend to overlook bad breath, sometimes referred to as “dog breath,” with thoughts that the odor is just a typical, yet unfortunate quality associated with an animal. However, this breath is more than a bad smell, it is a sign that an animal’s oral health is of poor quality. With the proper dental care, directed by a qualified veterinarian, pet owners can refresh their animal’s breath and restore its oral health.
Severe Complications Resulting from Poor Dental Hygiene
Rob Macpherson, Rutland veterinarian, explains that bad breath comes from bacteria, that over time will cause plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. Plaque and tartar lead to loss of the structures that keep teeth firm in place. The end result is periodontal disease which leads to pain, infection, and loss of teeth. The infection in the mouth can also spread elsewhere via the bloodstream affecting organs like the liver, kidneys or heart. With that in mind, a poor mouth in a pet can mean that the animal may prove threatened by other health issues that may prove fatal.
The Importance of a Veterinarian in Regards to Dental Care
Many people may believe that they do not require professional assistance to tend to their pet’s oral health. However, even brushing an animal’s teeth safely and regularly, in addition to using plaque removal chew products, may not prove enough to protect a pet’s mouth from harm. To many individuals, it may seem a little superfluous to seek out dental care at a professional veterinary clinic, but it is important to recognize that most pet owners do not have the experience and education to identify potential dental problems.
A Doctor of Veterinary Medicinecan thoroughly inspect the health of an animal’s teeth, observing not only the strength of the teeth, but also the quality of the gums and presence of plaque or tartar buildup. If such instances occur, the veterinarian can prescribe the best course of action to restore oral health to the animal. Even if a pet has great looking, healthy teeth, a veterinary can provide additional advice and treatments to make sure that the animal continues to have strong oral health.
