Like humans, dogs need dental care. Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t exactly understand the need or relevance of veterinary dentistry. Just like you would deal with plaque, tartar, and decay without brushing your teeth, dogs experience the same. Without proper dental care, your furry friend is at a much higher risk of dental disease, and the concern is alarming among dogs over the age of three. Checking with a veterinarian in Northbridge, MA, once in a few months is the ideal thing to do as a dog owner. In this post, we will discuss more about dental disease in dogs.
Identifying & understanding signs
The earliest sign of dental disease is plaque buildup. Plaque is a thin biofilm that contains bacteria along with food particles. Regular brushing of your dog’s teeth can help get rid of plaque, but without care, plaque can harden into tartar. Brushing cannot remove tartar, and your dog will eventually need dental cleaning. Many times, pet owners ignore minor tartar issues assuming there are no concerns, but the buildup can go beyond the gumline. That eventually leads to inflammation of the gums, eventually leading to teeth loss. Unlike humans, dogs cannot express pain or show initial symptoms, which is why regular exams & checks become even more important.
Knowing how to identify the first signs and symptoms of dental disease is critical. Check whether your dog has consistent bad breath, whether their gums are bleeding, or if they are in visible discomfort. Broken and loose teeth also indicate dental disease.
How to ensure dental care for your dog?
First and foremost, make it a habit to visit the veterinarian’s office every year for a wellness exam. These wellness exams also focus on dental health, and the veterinarian will check whether there are early signs of tooth decay or gum issues. If there is evident tartar buildup, they will do scaling to remove the tartar, which is a simple process often done under anesthesia. Just removing tartar and plaque can reverse periodontal disease.
You should also brush your dog’s teeth at least a few days each week. Ask your veterinarian about the right products you can use, and do not use toothpaste designed for humans. If you are unsure of the technique, the clinic staff can guide you better. Many dogs don’t like their teeth being brushed, and if your pet has the same problem, you can consider giving them dental treats. There are also dental toys designed for dogs that prevent plaque and tartar, as well as ensure fresh breath.
Overview of professional dental cleaning for dogs
Periodic dental cleanings are essential for all dogs. As we discussed above, if your dog has tartar or issues like gum inflammation, your veterinarian will check for likely issues. They will then schedule an appointment according to your convenience. During your visit, the veterinarian will administer anesthesia to safely access all parts of the mouth. Anesthesia also helps get better imaging. Besides scaling, your veterinarian will also check if there are broken or decayed teeth and suggest the right treatment plan. Standard dental cleaning often uses an ultrasonic scaler, and the process also includes polishing and fluoride treatment. Fluoride treatments help prevent further decay-related concerns.
How often should you take your dog for dental cleanings?
Your veterinarian is the best person to answer that question. Many pet owners are capable of ensuring proper oral care for their dogs at home, which significantly helps avoid common teeth and gum concerns. However, if your dog doesn’t like having teeth brushed or has a dislike for dental toys and chews, you may need to schedule annual dental cleaning sessions.
Meet a top-rated veterinarian in Northbridge today to learn more about how you can keep your dog healthy!