Pet Dental Care: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
At Schoolcraft Veterinary Clinic, we emphasize the importance of dental care for pets. Dental care plays a crucial role in preventing dental disease, which can lead to more severe health issues such as heart, lung, and kidney disease. Despite its importance, dental care is one of the most overlooked aspects of pet health. Let us dive into this deeper so you understand the reason pet dental care is essential for all pets.
How Can My Pet Develop Dental Disease?
Dental disease begins with bacteria buildup in the mouth. These bacteria form a film over the teeth called plaque. When you do not remove plaque from a pet’s teeth, it hardens into tartar, which can lead to gingivitis, infection, and eventually tooth loss. If left untreated, dental disease can contribute to serious health problems beyond the mouth, including damage to vital organs.
In addition to dental disease, pets can experience broken teeth from chewing on hard toys or treats such as antlers and bones. A broken tooth can expose the nerve, causing pain and potential infection that may require extraction.
Signs Your Pet May Have Dental Problems
Routine dental exams are crucial, but you should also watch for signs that your pet may have dental issues. Have your pet’s teeth checked if you observe any of the following problems:
- Bad breath
- Broken or loose teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Pain in or around the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth
- Cysts or tumors in the mouth
- Misalignment of the teeth and bite (malocclusion)
- Fractured jaw
Additionally, some pets become irritable when they have dental problems. Any unexplained changes in your pet’s behavior should prompt a visit to the clinic so we can isolate and treat the cause.
Can Kittens and Puppies Get Gum Disease?
Kittens around 6-7 months old can get what we refer to as Kitten or Juvenile Gingivitis. It manifests as redness, swelling, and inflammation of the gums. While the exact cause is unknown, factors such as an exaggerated immune response, viral exposure, and tooth eruption may cause or contribute to it.
Puppies can also develop Juvenile Gingivitis although it is more commonly seen in kittens. Juvenile gingivitis in puppies typically occurs due to plaque buildup, retained baby teeth, or underlying health conditions that affect the immune system. Some dog breeds, particularly small breeds and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, are more prone to dental issues, including gingivitis at a young age.
Symptoms of Juvenile Gingivitis
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Reluctance to eat or chew toys
- Excessive drooling
- Yellowish plaque or tartar buildup on teeth
If the condition is left untreated in a kitten or puppy, it can progress to juvenile periodontitis, leading to gum recession, tooth loss, and pain. With proper professional and at-home care, kittens and puppies can outgrow their susceptibility to the disease. If you suspect your kitten or puppy has juvenile gingivitis, schedule an appointment with us.
Professional Pet Dental Care at Schoolcraft Veterinary Clinic
Professional dental care at Schoolcraft Veterinary Clinic includes a thorough examination, dental X-rays, and cleaning. Scheduling yearly cleanings is essential for your pet’s health and a smart way to avoid costly treatments down the road. Dental issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay, develop silently; by the time symptoms appear, they often require more invasive and expensive procedures. Investing in regular professional cleanings helps catch problems early, prevent painful conditions, and save you money by reducing the need for advanced dental treatments. Yearly check-ups are the best way to keep your pet’s smile healthy and your vet bills manageable.
Is Brushing My Pet’s Teeth at Home Really Necessary?
You may wonder if at home cleaning is really necessary if you bring your pet in for professional cleanings. The answer is, YES! We often find that pet owners are not familiar with cleaning their pet’s teeth at home and why it is essential. This situation is understandable if no one has informed them about the importance of keeping their pet’s teeth healthy. Sadly, more than 80% of pets over three suffer from dental disease, which can lead to chronic pain, eating difficulties, and even life-threatening infections. This statistic emphasizes the need for both professional and at-home teeth cleaning.
Not sure how to brush your pet’s teeth at home? Do not worry—our team at Schoolcraft Veterinary Clinic is here to help! We are happy to show you simple techniques and recommend the best products to make at-home dental care manageable for you and your pet. Just ask us during your next visit! You can also watch a short video from the AVMA on how to clean your pet’s teeth at home.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Pet’s Smile Bright and Healthy
Your pet’s dental health is a crucial part of their overall well-being. At Schoolcraft Veterinary Clinic, we do everything we can to maintain your pet’s oral health to assist them to live a long and healthy life. Call us today to schedule your pet’s dental examination and learn more about how we can assist you in keeping their teeth in top condition.
4872 W U Ave.
Schoolcraft, MI 49087
Phone: 269-679-5248
