Many families around the country have a pet that they consider a part of the family. Like with other family members, it is vital to ensure that the pet is in good health. Unfortunately, many pet parents overlook their pet’s dental health.

The fact is that if you take care of your dental health, you can do the same for your pet. Dental cleaning for pets is very important. It is vital to understand why prioritizing your pet’s dental care is essential.
 

Preventing Tooth Loss

Failure to take care of your pet’s dental health can result in tooth loss. The structures that support a canine’s teeth can become infected or damaged over time. Severe damage can cause the teeth to become loose or fall out.

Losing teeth will affect the dog’s overall health. Good dental care will strengthen the teeth-supporting structures, ensuring they remain healthy and strong. Having strong teeth will enable the dog to chew and play effectively. 
 

Preventing Tooth Pain

Developing gingivitis or periodontal disease can be painful for your pet. The same discomfort you experience when you have a toothache is what your dog experiences. Dental disease can be very painful for canines.

It can keep your pet from eating, and it can make them moody or aggressive. Keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy can help prevent pain.
Signs of dental disease include loose teeth, broken teeth, bleeding, along with painful gums, bad breath, and drooling.
 

Preventing Bad Breath

Taking care of your dog’s dental health will help ensure that you do not have to endure bad breath. Having your pooch slobbering over you when they have stinky breath can be nasty. Bad breath is a sign of bacteria buildup.

Cleaning your pet’s teeth regularly will help prevent the buildup of bacteria. Food particles that remain on the teeth can develop into plaque. This is the nasty yellow film that forms on the teeth, and it can harden into tartar. 
 

Avoid Periodontal Disease

Animals can get periodontal or gum disease just like humans. Failing to take care of your dog’s dental health can cause gum disease. Plaque on the teeth and gums hardens into tartar. Tartar buildup can lead to inflammation or gum infection.

The gums can start to recede, leaving the teeth more vulnerable. This can result in gingivitis and eventually tooth loss. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. Over time, the condition can develop into periodontal disease. 
 

Preventing Organ Damage

Poor oral health can cause damage to body organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys. The bacteria that cause the formation of plaque can get into the bloodstream. When this happens, it can travel throughout the body and spread to the organs in a process known as bacteremia. This can cause the dog to become extremely sick.

It is important to remember that dogs tend to be very good at masking their pain. By the time you realize that your pet is in pain, their condition could be very severe. It is up to you to make sure that you protect your pet. Taking care of their dental health will help ensure your pet is happy and healthy. Make sure that your pet receives professional dental care regularly. 

For more on pet dental care, visit South Willamette Veterinary Clinic. Our office is in Creswell, Oregon. You can call 541.313.3352 today to schedule an appointment.