Veterinary Basics: Common Pet Dental Diseases

Veterinary Basics: Common Pet Dental Diseases

Have you ever experienced your pet trying to snuggle with you? However, you instantly cringe at the foul odor of your pet’s breath; some refer to it as “doggie breath” or “garbage mouth.” Contrary to common belief, bad breath among pets is not normal. If your pet is suffering from halitosis, it could be one of the first indications of an illness. Did you know that dogs with excellent dental health tend to live at least two years longer than those with dental problems?

What is dental disease?

Dental disease is an uncomfortable condition that develops from plaque, tartar, and bacteria on teeth that get stuck below the gumline. Poor oral hygiene usually causes lots of dental and general health problems. There is a connection between poor dental health and persistent ailments in pets. Here is some available information that you need to know about your pet animal’s dental diseases.

Canine and Feline Dental Diseases

Dogs typically develop gum disease from the buildup of dental calculus. Food, bacteria, and debris accumulate on the surface of the teeth over time, and it hardens into a cement-like material. This brings about gingivitis and eventually to gingival recession and bone loss. Board-certified dentists should examine your dog at the first sign of gum disease; visit them today.

Felines are less commonly impacted by periodontal disease from calculus. However, they get feline-specific problems like resorptive lesions and stomatitis. These conditions are usually excruciating and swollen. A routine checkup with a vet dentist is required to preserve optimal oral health in felines and canines.

Periodontal diseases are prevalent among canines and cats. The bacteria may get in the bloodstream and wreak havoc on other body organs like kidneys, liver, and heart in advanced situations. Vet diagnostic tools such as x-ray are necessary for figuring out diseases in canines and cats.

Dental Diseases in Exotic Pets 

Like canines and cats, exotic pet animals also require dental care. Most exotic pets like iguanas, bearded dragons, rabbits, chinchillas, and various exotic pets need to have regular physical exams, including dental care. If you’re looking for reliable vet facilities, visit southwiltonvet.com.

The typical dental issue affecting reptiles like snakes and lizards is stomatitis, usually called mouth rot. Turtles and tortoises are less commonly affected with stomatitis, though.

Small herbivores like rabbits and rodents usually have dental issues like elongated teeth that never quit growing. This is common because their diets don’t provide the normal grinding required to maintain their teeth of ideal size.

Dental Disease Prevention

  • Begin early with your pet’s dental care. Brush their teeth with pet toothpaste daily or at the very least thrice a week.
  • Ask the veterinarian dentist about treats, supplements, and food that can lower the development of pet dental disease.
  • Avoid feeding your pets with canned food because these tend to stick to their teeth; instead, provide them dry food. However, if canned food is what the veterinarian recommended for some dietary functions, you need to follow your vet’s recommendation.
  • Be sure to arrange dental visits and have a regular professional dental cleaning as early as one year old.
  • Your vet is still the best person who can care for and monitor your beloved pets’ general and oral health.

 

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