Why Is Pet Dental Hygiene Care at Reisterstown and Owings Mills Veterinarian Important?
As you care for your pet, it is essential to consider aspects of dental hygiene. Poor dental hygiene leads to:
- Tooth root infections
- Tooth loss
- Discomfort and pain
- Inflammation and gum disease
- Bacterial diseases
Proper dental hygiene will ensure your pet avoids discomfort and dental diseases. You can provide your pet's better health and wellness with routine pet dental care at TLC for Pets Veterinary Hospital in Reisterstown and Owings Mills.
What Is Dental Disease In Pets?
Dental disease is an oral infection that affects your pet's gums, teeth, and surrounding structures. Dental diseases are the most common health concern for pets. Research by the American Veterinary Dental Society shows that 70% of cats and 80% of dogs get oral diseases by age 3.
Dental diseases in pets start with plaque build-up. Eventually, the plague will turn to tater and form small pockets where the pet's teeth meet the gum. Food and bacteria will accumulate in these pockets and cause gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Gingivitis is a gum disease that causes painful, inflamed gums. Periodontal disease is where the bacteria affect your pet's bone structure that secures the teeth. Your pet risks losing some teeth, or the bacteria could enter their bloodstream and cause severe lung, heart, or kidney issues.
What Are the Symptoms of Dental Disease?
A pet suffering from a dental disease may experience the following symptoms:
- Salivating
- Poor grooming
- Bad breath
- Nose and eye discharge
- Inactivity, depression, lethargy
- Loose teeth which sometimes fall out
- Facial swelling
- Food drops from the pet's mouth while eating
- Decreased appetite
- Appetite and weight loss
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Pawing at his or her face
How Do You Maintain Pet Dental Hygiene in Reisterstown and Owings Mills?
It is better to take preventive measures against dental diseases than to try and treat them. Some of the pet dental hygiene measures you can take include:
- High-quality diet
- Dental toys and treats
- Ensure all dental products are pet safe
Regular check pet dental check-ups will also help maintain general health and wellness.
Call TLC For Pets Today!
Contact TLC for Pets in Reisterstown and Owings Mills for our checkup and treatment services.