Skip to main content

Dental Disease is Harmful to Pets

dog teeth badcat teethdental cleaningperforming dentaldental care 2

Why is Dental Care so important?  Like humans proper care of our pet’s mouth is essential to their overall health. Tooth pain from loose teeth, cavities, exposed dentin (cracked or worn teeth) is devastating. Pets may only eat on one side of their mouth, not chew properly or just swallow the food morsels whole, which may lead to gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss).  As the pet suffers from dental pain they will stop grooming themselves or playing with toys.

Examination of their mouth usually reveals heavy tartar and red gums. The red gums or gingivitis is caused by a bacteria film (Bio-film) that covers the teeth due to the lack of brushing. As the gums continue to swell from infection it allows bacteria to enter deep into the tooth socket. From there it can enter into the blood supply which nourishes the tooth structure & socket. The bacteria destroys the periodontal ligament that holds the tooth within the socket as well as entering into the pet’s heart chambers, kidneys and liver. The pet will suffer from tooth loss as well as failure of heart, kidney and liver function.

By the age of two years most pets who are not receiving a daily oral cleansing (tooth brushing, dental chews, Oravet chews) will need a cleaning to remove the already formed developed Bio-film.

To avoid your pet having dental problems, call Pet Authority Animal Hospital in Waterford, MI to schedule your pet’s FREE dental exam.  The veterinarians at Pet Authority Animal Hospital recommends twice a year dental exams to access your pets oral health. Read more about dental disease from our previous blog:https://petsloved.com/2014/08/25/omg-whats-smell/   We also have numerous articles regarding dental care  & how to brush your pet’s teeth on our website. You can read and print out if you would like to share. https://petsloved.com/pet-health-resources/pet-health-articles/articles/?rid=742

During the month of February, we are offering 20% off a Dental Cleaning and Two Free Digital Dental X-rays in honor of Pet Dental Month.

From the other side of the exam table,

Dr. Gloria Williams

Leave a Reply