The Importance of Taking Care of Your Pet’s Teeth

The Importance of Taking Care of Your Pet’s Teeth

Just as humans require oral care and visits to the dentist, so do pets. Dogs and cats can experience tooth decay, cavities, and pain just as much as people can. That’s why it’s so important that you take care of your pet’s teeth and ensure their oral health is considered just as much as your own. 

Pet Dental Care Catches Underlying Problems

A great benefit of pet dental care is the ability to catch underlying problems. What may seem like nothing more than stinky breath can actually be a sign of periodontal disease, for example. Yes, pets can get this disease, too just as people can. The buildup of bacteria needs to be removed by a trained doggy dentist to help. If left untreated, tooth disease can lead to troubles with the kidneys, liver, stomach, heart, and brain as the bacteria from the mouth spreads through the bloodstream. Getting it treated as early as possible is key to preventing tooth loss and worse.

It Keeps Their Teeth Strong

As both people and animals age, it is easy for the teeth to weaken. Without proper oral care, your pet is bound to struggle with meals down the line. Hard food will be difficult to manage, and you’ll need to offer a soft food diet to get something in their bellies. By making sure you’re taking care of their teeth properly, you will help to keep their chompers strong and working as intended so they can still enjoy the same foods they do now. You should also be sure to do what you can to prevent their teeth from breaking. This means finding softer chew toys and teeth-cleaning treats. 

It Prevents Pain

Dogs and cats can suffer from tooth pain just as humans can. Taking care of their teeth can help to prevent this type of ache and help your pet’s well-being. Aside from tooth decay or disease-causing discomfort, animals are also more likely to suffer from a broken tooth. 

Whether because they chomped on a sharp animal bone they dug out from the trash or they were playing tug of war with a toy, it’s easy for them to experience a break or fracture. Even if they don’t show signs of pain, there is undoubtedly discomfort to consider. Getting them help not only decreases the pain but ensures they do not continue using the tooth that is broken and damage it further. 

Tips for Brushing

You should at least start by brushing your dog or cat’s teeth a few times per week to get used to the task. Teeth brushing really should be done twice per day, just as is recommended with people, but anything is better than nothing. You can use a toothbrush intended for your dog, or a regular toothbrush if your pet will sit for longer periods. A dog toothbrush has bristles all around so you can scrub more efficiently and in less time. 

You should also change out their brush for a new one just as often as you do your own, and be sure to use toothpaste intended for animals. For one thing, it will offer a flavor they actually like. It will also prevent them from swallowing ingredients that may be harmful to them. In fact, the fluoride and xylitol found in toothpaste can be deadly to your dogs. If you do not have an animal-friendly version on hand, it’s better to stick to a water-only cleaning for the time being. 

Taking care of your pet’s teeth is just another component of being a good pet owner. Make sure you’re brushing their teeth twice per day, just like your own, and having them see a pet dentist who can help keep their mouth clean and feeling well is key.