What is dental disease in dogs?
You may have heard your veterinarian recommend a dental cleaning or that your dog has dental disease. But what does that mean? Why does your veterinarian care so much about your dog's bad breath? Beyond stinky kisses, dental disease is not simply having bad teeth or gums. It's a whole body problem.
Bacteria, plaque, and tartar build up on your pet's teeth and gums over time. When not removed, it can plague the rest of the body, cause damage to the gums, and even travel into the nasal cavity of your dog. That same bacteria is part of the welcoming committee to everything that enters your dog's mouth. Food, water, and air travel along those teeth and into the rest of your dog's body, causing systemic problems.
How do we fix dental disease in dogs?
Prevention is the best cure. In an ideal world, we'd recommend brushing your pet's teeth daily. The reality is for most of us that just isn't possible. However, providing options like the BC approved dental chews, rinses, and other products can help reduce and prevent the development of dental disease. Just like in people, brushing doesn't remove the full extent of the problem. This is why your veterinarian may recommend a dental cleaning under anesthesia.
What is an anesthetic dental cleaning for my dog?
Anesthetic dental cleanings allow your veterinarian to perform the cleaning stress-free. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough dental exam, remove the developed plaque and tartar on their teeth, and take x-rays to evaluate your pet's teeth below the gum line. They'll then develop a treatment plan if any other problems are discovered, such as broken teeth or tooth resorption, extractions, root canals, and more.
Once completed, your pet's teeth are polished. Your pet is then recovered from anesthesia and sent home with care instructions, pain medications, and antibiotics if needed.
How do you know if your pet has dental problems?
Signs of pain are usually the first apparent symptoms pet owners see. For example, not wanting to eat, drooling, rubbing their face on objects, which indicates their mouth may be uncomfortable. You can catch it much sooner by looking at your pet's teeth and gums. If you see their gums are red or inflamed, or notice changes in tooth color and buildup, especially where their gum line meets their teeth, these are clear signs your pet is developing dental problems.
Other common signs and symptoms include missing or broken teeth, bleeding gums, and blood or discharge from the nose and severe conditions. While smelly breath isn't always due to dental problems, it's another obvious indicator that something may be going on, and dental cleaning by your veterinarian may be needed.
How can I schedule a dental exam at Swann Animal Clinic?
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our veterinary services, we’d love to hear from you. Call (806) 355-9443 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your pet.