Dental Care for Dogs: Why is Dental Care Important?
Most people are aware of their own teeth, as well as about plaque control, cavity prevention and the social evils of bad breath. However, despite the awareness of human dentistry, many pet owners do not realize their furry friends are subject to the same problems.
As a pet parent, you certainly want your dog to have a healthy mouth. The following are just a few of the reasons why dental care for dogs is important.
Preventing Tooth Loss
When there’s damage or infection to the structures supporting your dog’s teeth, the teeth loosen and fall out.
Therefore, good dental care will ensure your pup’s teeth-supporting structures stay healthy and keep the teeth in place.
Bad Breath
Many people believe bad breath is inevitable with dogs. However, if your dog has bad breath, it may be time for some good dental care.
When your dog has a healthy mouth and healthy teeth, bad breath won’t be a problem.
Oral Pain
Dental disease, particularly when it is severe, can be quite painful for dogs.
Therefore, keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy will help prevent oral pain.
Organ Damage
Bacteria in the plaque can enter the bloodstream and spread to the heart, kidneys and liver. This spread of bacteria is called bacteremia, which can damage organs and make dogs quite sick.
However, good oral care will help prevent bacteremia and the subsequent organ damage.
Toxin Ingestion
Often times, dogs with oral disease also have gastrointestinal issues. Poor dental health in dogs, especially those with periodontitis, have bacteria in their saliva that will, with time, produce toxins.
These toxins are ingested by the dog every time he or she swallows. While the stomach’s gastric acid will destroy some of these toxins, it won’t eliminate all of them. The remaining toxins can infect the stomach, which results in gastritis.
Dental Disease
So many dogs have dental disease by the age of 3. Therefore, it can be difficult to prevent it from developing in the first place.
However, good dental care for dogs can prevent dental disease from becoming severe and causing problems throughout their bodies.
These are just a few reasons why dental care for dogs is important. One of the best ways to ensure your dog’s oral health is to have him visit our veterinarian here at All Pets for a professional teeth cleaning. Our veterinarian can examine your dog’s teeth and address any issues we find. Contact us with the link below for more information or to schedule an appointment today!
