Unpleasant odours (particularly in your pet’s mouth) are actually not normal. They are some of the earliest signs of illnesses like dental disease. Not only are these conditions painful, they can lead to infections and other complications that can have a large impact on your pet’s overall health as well as other parts of their body. With our help, you can make sure your pet’s dental health is always in tip-top shape. Give us a call at 905-257-3700 to learn more about our dental care services.
What causes dental problems in pets?
Improper hygiene and infrequent dental exams can put patients at a heightened risk of developing dental disease. Dogs and cats can develop the condition as early as 2-years-old. It happens when there is too much plaque, bacteria, and tartar build up on the surface of the teeth and beneath the gum line.
What happens when dental disease is untreated in pets?
Aside from great pain and discomfort, the bacteria can ultimately reach your pet’s bloodstream. Once that happens, bacteria can spread all over your pet’s body causing a myriad of problems. Your pet’s teeth can also die and fall off.
How do you treat dental disease in pets?
Treatment will depend on disease severity and your pet’s unique situation. It will usually start with a thorough cleaning performed under general anesthesia. (This means your pet will be asleep. This allows the vet to clean underneath the gum line and make emergency extractions without causing any pain to your pet. Please be wary of “cosmetic” cleanings with no anesthesia. They are dangerous and cannot properly clean your pet’s teeth beneath the gum line. They also cause unnecessary stress for pets, who have to be awake while sharp tools are inserted in their mouth.)
After the cleaning, we will recommend certain techniques and products to help you start a daily tooth brushing routine at home. This way, we can prevent future dental problems from happening in the future. Dietary changes can also be suggested to prevent tooth damage and lessen your pet’s exposure to sugary foods that tend to cause more tartar buildup.
