Dental care

Advancements in Dental Care for Pets

Proper dental care is vital for animal welfare and overall wellness. Incomprehensibly, tooth decay is one of the most overlooked problems linked with cohabitating with pets. Just as it is for humans, maintaining strong oral healthcare in animals typically results in a better quality of life and increased lifespan. Decidedly, pet dental care is ordinarily ignored by proprietors. This essay aims to unveil the horizon of pet oral hygiene, what harm it can cause, why it is significant to take oral care of pets and denote the changes that have been made over the years.

Dental care in pets is an issue that seems to be prevalent throughout the world. Many veterinarians quip, "That's the easiest way to tell cat owners from dog owners; cat owners don't realize their pets even have teeth." According to veterinary consultant C.W. Dee, more than 70% of companion animals show signs of gum diseases by the time they reach the age of three. This only proves that dental care in pets is not prioritized as much as it is in human beings. Why is dental care for our pets important, one can't help but ask. Scientists say that poor dental health in both animals and humans can usually lead to diminishing health in certain parts of the body—often the cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, and immune systems are the most commonly affected. In addition, senior pets have a high chance of having one of the eight diseases before they've even reached their golden years. With all these possible complications of dental disease, it's crucial that dental care becomes a more important part of overall pet care.

2. Common Dental Issues in Pets

Curious cats and dogs often find themselves chewing on things around the home. This could facilitate plaque formation when really they want to be flossing! Pets, like us, can also develop plaque and bacterial build-up over time if they are not getting the regular dental care they need, otherwise known as "doggy breath." If left to their own devices, many of our pets would end up developing periodontal issues. Periodontal disease is the number one condition that veterinarians see in practice. Other dental issues seen by veterinarians will depend on the variety of pets seen, their age, and diet but can include fractured, cracked, and broken teeth, retained deciduous teeth, tooth decay, and wear, and oral cancers to list a few. Regular dental checks, dental toys and treats, dental diets, and using dental tooth brushing can be implemented to try to prevent these issues.

Periodontal disease in our pets is caused by the accumulation of plaque on the teeth. When combined with the minerals in saliva, this forms tartar. The bacteria in the tartar then start eating away the gum, destroying the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. When animals' teeth lose this amount of tissue, they become loose and very painful. Most teeth in our pets have more than one root, so multiple x-rays to completely assess the overall health of the teeth are needed, as what looks fine on the outside may be a problem in the roots.

3. Importance of Dental Care for Pets

Dental care for pets is as important as it is for humans. There are endless studies out now that suggest that poor oral health can take years off of a pet’s life if not addressed properly. Annual dental check-ups can prevent future oral problems from escalating into more dangerous ailments. No one wants to have a cuddle session filled with bad breath and a kiss that smells like decay. Like people, pets need oral care to maintain good health and wellness. Prevention will save you time and your pet suffering.

Periodontal diseases can cause bad breath, tooth fractures, and tooth loss. Neglecting dental care for your pet could result in future dental illnesses that could cost you a pretty penny. By taking part in their oral care early, you can prevent periodontal disease and other unpleasant diseases in your pets. Remember, animals use their mouths for everything, not just eating. Let’s keep their mouths as healthy as we can so animals can continue to do the things they love to do. Some pets also use their mouths to communicate their love for us, why not give a little back? Your pet utilizes their mouths to groom themselves as well. Maintaining a healthy set of teeth will keep themselves and their fur babies healthier just by avoiding certain infections that have links to poor oral hygiene.

4. Techniques and Tools for Pet Dental Care

You can take a variety of approaches to help take care of your pet’s teeth. The most obvious method is brushing their teeth. There are toothbrushes designed for use on animals, but a simple fingertip brush is the most popular for pets. Many companies offer specially formulated toothpastes for pets in flavors like chicken, beef, and seafood to appeal to their senses. If brushing isn’t an option for your pet, using a dental diet can also be beneficial. The larger kibbles are designed to cause more abrasion on your pet’s teeth as they are chewed. Meanwhile, some brands offer treats that actually assist in breaking down tartar and can be used in coordination with a dental diet for a more aggressive approach to dental care. For cats, chew toys have shown to help keep the teeth clean to some degree, although the texture and method of play are factors to consider with any kind of chew toy.

In the past, dental cleaning was something reserved for those pets that truly needed it. Many pets have their teeth cleaned on a regular basis as we see the positive effects that come from dental maintenance. The tools and products available for pet dental care have also made considerable advancements in the past few years. Tools such as dental probes, curettes, scalers, and forceps are used in order to remove infected and loose teeth as well as to prevent the progression of dental disease. This is all done by hand. Currently, there are also several products that can be used in aiding the daily dental health of your pets. There are chews, treats, and water additives that can help reduce plaque, minimize tartar, and maintain overall oral health. In addition, there are some cat foods that have been shown to inhibit the bacterial growth in their mouths, thus benefiting their gingival health. It is absolutely important to bring your pet in for their regular check-ups to ensure that their teeth as well as other health aspects are in tip-top shape.

5. Professional Dental Services for Pets

Also, now more than ever, dental awareness is reaching new heights within the veterinary community. Pet owners are becoming savvier and more concerned about their pets' oral health. Slowly but surely, dental medicine is becoming less and less taboo within the general public. There is a definite movement toward biannual oral examinations. On average, small animal practices have taken dental radiography seriously, and they have all incorporated some manner of it in their dental services. The sale of veterinary-specific teeth-cleaning diets and treats is on the rise, and more and more products can now be found at the increasing number of pet retail locations.

Over the last 10 years, canine and feline oral and dental care have become just as crucial as nutritional considerations and regular exercise programs. Many dog and cat owners are now aware that maintaining a healthy mouth is necessary for a pet's overall good health. Most of the daily dental care countermeasures for pets are the exact same care recommended for humans. Animal dentists will recommend regular teeth brushing, healthy chews, diets that support dental health, check-ups, and professional dental care. Dogs and cats should also be taking a trip to the dentist every year, and dental cleaning should be performed as recommended by the veterinarian. For example, a dog or cat may have a mild amount of plaque and tartar and have professional cleanings performed every 2 years. The old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is also relevant in veterinary dentistry. Professional dental cleanings are more effective than brushing and are used to prevent and treat existing oral and dental diseases. Regular dental cleanings prevent problems and address oral dental health. In combination with oral examinations, dental cleanings allow veterinarians and technicians to examine the gums, teeth, and mouth closely. Receiving a proper examination and cleaning under anesthesia is essential for successful veterinary dental care. Advanced therapies, such as teeth polishing, extractions, fluorides, or surgeries to repair oral and maxillofacial injuries or conditions, cannot be administered if a pet is awake. Clinics with oral surgeons, endodontists, and orthodontic specialties all offer dental x-rays, straightening of canine teeth, sinus surgeries, and other specialized oral work.