Reflecting on life, you might wonder what you could have done differently especially when the results don’t match the original intentions. For example, you may know that preventive pet dental care is vital to your pet’s overall health. But picking up that toothbrush…hmmm, maybe next week? Before you know it, next week turns into next month, and your pet’s teeth, gums, and general well being are placed in the crosshairs.
A bleak summary? Perhaps. But the team at Madison Animal Care Hospital doesn’t want you to miss the opportunity to add years of vitality to your precious pet’s wonderful life.
Jump-Starting the Process
The vast majority of older pets have some form of dental disease, but with our two-fold approach, it doesn’t have to be that way. Regular wellness exams and brushing your pet’s teeth are the most effective ways to approach preventive pet dental care.
During every wellness exam, we assess the inside of your pet’s mouth. If you’re the proud owner of a new puppy or kitten, he or she will likely receive a satisfactory report, and we simply encourage you to establish and maintain good habits at home. However, the teeth and gums of adult and senior pets usually tell a different story.
Doggy Breath?
Your pet’s questionable breath, or halitosis, is usually the first sign that something is amiss in his or her mouth. The following symptoms are typically associated with dental disease and should be treated right away:
Broken, discolored, worn, loose, or missing teeth
Bleeding in the mouth
Difficulty eating or loss of appetite
Swollen or inflamed gums
Pain in or around the jaws and mouth
Behavioral changes
Excessive drooling
Pawing at the mouth
Plotting a Course
Depending on what we observe during your pet’s wellness visit, we may recommend a thorough dental exam and cleaning under general anesthesia. Using certain diagnostic tools, we learn how strong your pet’s body is and how much anesthesia he or she will need. We also follow the strict guidelines of the American Animal Hospital Association and closely monitor your pet’s vital signs while he or she is under anesthesia.
A typical dental procedure may include:
Tooth scaling and polishing
Sealants
Tooth extractions
We also capture digital radiographs (x-rays) to learn more about the extent of decay beneath the gum line.
Preventive Pet Dental Care
Loose or broken teeth and oral pain seem awful, right? Also consider that dental disease, if left untreated, can affect other parts of the body, such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. It can even lead to certain types of cancer. This link between poor oral health and serious medical conditions should inspire every pet owner to develop a preventive pet dental care plan.
At Home
Committing to a few brushings each week is a great place to start, but it’s best to work up to a daily routine. This slows the buildup of plaque and tartar, wards off bad breath, and can prevent oral infections. You can also supplement your at-home care with products from Tartar Shield or Healthy Mouth and items endorsed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
Please contact us with any questions or for additional support. Our team is committed to helping your pet lead a happy, healthy, pain-free life through preventive pet dental care.
