Dental Care for Dogs. Bright Whites for Pets: helps save teeth for dogs & cats! Although most of us take good care of our own teeth, our pets aren’t so lucky. Beyond a higher incidence of dental disease, our pets are also very prone to fractured teeth and crooked teeth, as well as lesions that can’t be seen on routine exams. The good news in all of this is that the Veterinary Dentist has the tools and techniques to help keep your pet’s smile fresh!
80 percent of pets have dental disease as early by age two. However, just because you see pearly white teeth in your dog or cat’s mouth does not mean that disease is not present. With the majority of the tooth below the gum line and out of sight, many problems can remain hidden for long periods of time.
New tools, such as the use of digital dental x-rays, have helped veterinarians and veterinary dentists to find these unseen lesions. Dental experts state that 42% of cats and 28% of dogs have problems that are located below the gum line.
But, even above the gums problems abound. Breed specific issues, such as crowding of teeth and crooked teeth, can play havoc with a dog’s ability to effectively chew food. Additionally, some dogs will have a tendency to fracture their teeth, leading to abscesses and bone infections.
Through new techniques, such as root canals and orthodontic work, veterinary dentists can now help save many of these teeth. Historically, many owners opted for simple extraction of the offending tooth, however, as a pet’s status within our families has changed, some pet parents are actively seeking ways to keep their pet’s smile perfect for as long as possible.
Veterinary dentists can be extremely helpful in cases of trauma or conformation problems, but the pet owner themselves are one of the most important components of the dental healthcare team. Utilizing new barrier sealants and good cleaning practices at home can help avoid that trip to the veterinary dentist. Be sure to speak with your family veterinarian about the availability of digital dental x-rays in your area as well as what products are recommended for routine dental care.
