Dental Health for Pets: Why It Matters and How to Care for Their Teeth

Did you know your pet can also experience dental diseases? Poor dental health can lead to several problems that significantly impact your pet’s quality of life. Fortunately, your veterinarian near you at Shelley Drive Animal Clinic in Tyler, TX, provides dental care to ensure your pet’s smile remains bright and healthy. We are here to explain the importance of dental health and how to care for your pet’s teeth.

Common Dental Issues for Pets

Proper dental care is essential for preventing oral health problems and dental diseases. Some of the most frequent issues pets can experience due to poor oral health include:

• Gum disease or periodontal disease
• Tooth decay
• Broken teeth
• Tooth infections
• Jaw alignment problems
• Cysts in the mouth

Gum disease happens more often than other dental diseases. In advanced stages, these can lead to tooth loss. Gum disease can also increase the risk of other health problems, like kidney or heart disease.

Preventative Care for Pet Dental Health

So, how can you keep your pet safe from dental problems? Routine cleanings and exams are essential for preventing dental health issues. Our vet looks for damaged, infected, or loose teeth and signs of gum disease. Finding these issues early on allows our vet to prevent them from turning into advanced disease or decay. Our vet can then perform teeth cleanings to remove plaque in your pet’s teeth and gums, helping reduce the risk of periodontal disease and other oral health issues. Teeth extractions may be necessary if your pet has loose or decayed teeth.

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Pet’s Oral Hygiene

While teeth cleanings and dental care from your veterinarian are the best ways to improve your pet’s dental health, you can protect your pet’s teeth and gums at home with preventative care. Some ways you can help your pet maintain healthy teeth and gums are:

• Brushing its teeth once a day or at least a few times per week
• Scheduling routine dental exams and cleanings at our animal hospital
• Giving it treats and toys that are good for oral health

Visit Our Animal Hospital in Tyler, TX, to Protect Your Pet’s Oral Health Today

Whether you need to schedule a dental exam to treat your pet’s dental diseases or want more information on preventative steps you can take to protect your pet’s teeth, Shelley Drive Animal Clinic in Tyler, TX, can help. Our veterinarian near you can examine your pet’s teeth or treat tooth or gum problems as needed. Call us at (903) 561-7373 to schedule an appointment today!