One of the most common reasons for dental diseases in pets is poor oral hygiene. To maintain their overall health, excellent oral care must be taken into consideration. Hence, a lot of emphases is placed on promoting good dental health in pets.
So today we will look at some common causes and symptoms of dental problems, and learn about ways to keep your pet’s mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy.
Signs of dental problems
Poor dental hygiene can lead to tartar and plaque buildup and may result in an infection in the long run. Here are a few signs that may indicate an onset of a dental problem:
- Red and swollen gums
- Brown or grey teeth
- Broken or loose teeth
- Pawing the face or rubbing on objects
- Abnormal drooling
- Dropping things from the mouth
- Reduced grooming in cats
- Swelling in areas surrounding the mouth
- Bad Breath
- Bleeding gums
- Avoiding hard foods or chew toys
Due to the constant pain or irritation in the mouth, some pets may experience behavioral changes like being agitated or going completely tranquil. Such symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to the vet.
Causes of dental issues
There can be many reasons for dental problems in your pet, such as:
- Injury
- Periodontal disease
- Dental abscess or infected teeth
- Oral cysts or tumours
- Misaligned teeth or jaw
- Cleft Palate
Periodontal disease is a common dental condition in dogs and cats, caused by infections and inflammation of gums and bones that support teeth. During the early stages, gums become swollen and red, and may even bleed. Early detection of such diseases is crucial for pet parents to introduce effective preventive measures; else, the disease may advance and become a serious problem for your pet, causing tooth loss, bleeding, swollen, and painful gums, and abscesses. Sometimes, it can also contribute to kidney, liver, and heart problems.
Keep your pet’s teeth clean
Pets may suffer from dental problems from a young age, and if left untreated such oral issues can cause serious damage. Here is a list of some dental care practices you should follow to prevent such problems:
- Regular brushing
Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly is one of the most important and effective ways to prevent tartar and plaque buildup. If you don’t want your pet to have bad breath, red gums, or loose teeth, invest time into brushing their teeth regularly. Choosing good quality dental care products like Petosan Double Headed Toothbrush and Petosan Toothpaste would be a smart choice. It is recommended to brush your pet’s teeth thrice a week to maintain healthy teeth, but if they suffer from any infection or periodontal disease, they might need brushing daily.
- Oral hygiene solutions
Dogs can cats can be finicky while getting their teeth brushed. Using oral rinse is a great way to maintain dental hygiene in pets. To prevent infections and have a pleasant-smelling mouth for your pet, try using PlaqueAway.
- Dental treats
Dental treats are uniquely shaped and textured chews that are designed to prevent tartar or plaque buildup. The active ingredients in these treats aid in the prevention of potential dental issues. There are many dental treats available in the market like- Prozym Dental Sticks, Earth Bites, and Greenies. Whimzees dental treats are for pets with an aversion to meat.
- Chew toys
Chew toys are a great way to keep your pet’s dental health in check without creating a mess from the crumbs of the treats. They are also good for pets that finish dental treats quickly.
- Regular Vet checks
Along with everything listed above, a regular visit to your vet for a thorough dental check is also important. Visiting a vet regularly will help diagnose and treat any underlying dental issues beforehand.
Dos and Don’ts of brushing your pet’s teeth:
- Don’t use human-grade toothpaste for your pet
- Make them familiar with the toothbrush before trying to brush their teeth
- Perform a dental care regime at least once a week at home
- Don’t force your pet for brushing their teeth if they resist
- Don’t miss out on their regular teeth cleaning visits
Bottom Line,
It is easy to avoid serious dental problems by following a consistent dental cleaning routine discussed here. Healthy dental practices will ensure a healthy and happy life for your pet.
