Due to all the new preventive medicine, we can rely on, our pets live longer, healthier lives, so much so that now a number of the most severe health issues pets can have are related to their dental health. Fixing our pet’s teeth routinely may make a massive difference in their health and well-being. By routinely, I mean daily but do not worry, as soon as you get a hang of it, it shouldn’t take you more than a couple of minutes. Keep in mind, however, that even if you give them daily house cleaning, you need to always take your furry friend to the vet at least once a year for a complete checkup, and when needed, professional teeth cleaning.
Cats and dogs do not get cavities frequently, if at all, however, they do get gum disease, and tartar can build up excessively on the tooth. That is the main reason to provide good dental care. If plaque is not removed 2 to 5 times, it transforms into tartar, which has stuck to the teeth and it’s not as easy to eliminate. Tartar irritates the teeth, and this is exactly what causes gingivitis. You ought to test for reddening of the gums around the teeth and bad breath.
Once tartar has developed, the cleaning should be done by your vet that will remove the tartar and polish the teeth. When the tartar builds up under the gums, then it induces separation of the gums from the teeth and strains pockets, where even more germs can grow. Now, they have developed periodontal disease. Besides being very painful, this can cause tooth reduction, abscesses, and illnesses. Since the bacteria increases, it can even get to the bloodstream, which can cause an infection of the liver, the kidneys, or the heart valves. Only your veterinarian can block the progress or stop the disease.
So, what kind of dental care if you supply your pets?
Take your pet to the vet for regular checkups, which ought to include dental exams. Possessing their teeth cleaned by the vet at least once, then follow up with routine home dental hygiene. As I’ve mentioned, your pet needs regular dental hygiene at home, but for a good start, your teeth should be sterile. If you’ve been taking care of their teeth because they were infants, maybe you’re in good shape, but chances are you have failed their teeth for a while.
Should they’ve developed tartar, it could be very important to get it removed by a vet. To perform a cleaning, your veterinarian will anesthetize your pet, choose x-rays, and proceed with the cleaning. The tartar is going to be taken out from above and below the gumline. Afterward, their teeth will probably be polished to remove any scratches brought on by the cleaning to avoid the accumulation of bacteria. Then the vet will tell you the most effective dental hygiene plan for your pet.
Now that their teeth are clean, you should start looking for warning signs in their own mouths: bad breath, red and swollen gums, tartar around the gum line, and pain or bleeding when you contact the gums or mouth.
Let’s start with the food. Kibble is unquestionably better for your pet’s dental health. Many foods have special properties to keep their teeth clean as you can. There are also many treats that you can give them that will aid in removing plaque and prevent plaque build-up, as well as toys made specifically to help in plaque removal.
When they eat the right sorts of food and play with the right toys, you need to brush their teeth daily. This is the most important preventive measure you can take. Click this link for more details.
How to brush your pet’s teeth:
To begin with, you need to get him used to the process in case you have not done it before. Start by gently massaging his teeth and gums for a couple of seconds and see how he responds. When the fusses, do not force him and try again the next day. In three or four attempts, he should be accustomed to a finger in his mouth, and that means you can now advance to a brush. There are various kinds of brushes for dogs at your pet shop, and if it is a small dog, you might try using a piece of sterile gauze.
There is also special toothpaste for dogs with delectable tastes like chicken or liver. Never use human toothpaste! Look closely at the big teeth at the trunk. Don’t fret too much about the inside, but pay special attention to the surface of their teeth. You can do two or three teeth per day when he does not like the process a lot at first. Eventually, he will sit tight for the entire cleaning and you’ll be able to do it in a couple of minutes.
Again, you have to get your cat used to the feel of your finger in her mouth. Start simply massaging her gums and teeth for a couple of minutes daily. There are particular brushes for cats, but using a sheet of gauze is very powerful. If the size of the cat will allow it, then you can use one of those plastic”finger brushes” made especially for cats or dogs. You also don’t have to worry too much about the interior but do pay particular attention to the surface of the teeth. Do get the flavored toothpaste in a yummy tuna flavor for them… or whatever else that they prefer. Your vet may also recommend a particular sterile solution for cats.
If you do not have anything else handy, you may use a mixture of baking soda and water, but hardly any. Of course, if you get your cat used to her teeth cleaning when she’s a kitty, the work will be a lot simpler, but you can get any cat used for this with patience and love. If you discover that it’s impossible, you’ll have to take her to a vet to get her teeth cleaned. Do not put off this!! There are places in which they’ll do it for little money if you have financial issues. Just remember, they are dependent upon you for their health.
Comprehensive Dental Care
Routine dental care is an integral part of dog’s and cat’s oral and overall health, however, many pets aren’t able to receive the veterinary dental care they require to maintain their gums and teeth healthy.
In our Tracy veterinary hospital, we offer complete dental care for your pet, from principles like dental exams, teeth cleanings, and polishing, to dental x-rays.
Our veterinary staff at Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital offers restorative and preventative dental care and surgery for dogs and cats in the Tracy area. Visit tracyvets.com for more information.