Your pet’s dental health impacts far more than their breath and smile. Poor oral hygiene can lead to serious health issues affecting their heart, kidneys, and liver, potentially shortening their life by several years.
Don’t wait until dental problems become painful or expensive emergencies. Schedule your pet’s dental examination at Southpaw Animal Care today to ensure they maintain optimal oral health throughout their life.
Understanding Pet Dental Disease
Pet dental disease is one of the most common health issues veterinarians encounter, affecting over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age three. Just like humans, pets develop plaque and tartar buildup that can progress to painful infections and tooth loss. Unlike humans, pets can’t tell us when their teeth hurt, making regular dental care essential for catching problems early. Understanding the types of dental issues your pet might face helps you recognize warning signs and seek treatment before serious complications develop.
6 Types of Dental Issues in Pets
- Periodontal Disease: The most common dental problem in pets, starting with gingivitis and progressing to infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. Left untreated, it causes pain, tooth loss, and bacteria entering the bloodstream.
- Broken or Fractured Teeth: Often caused by chewing hard objects like bones or antlers, fractured teeth expose sensitive pulp tissue. This creates a pathway for bacteria and requires immediate veterinary attention.
- Tooth Resorption: Particularly common in cats, this painful condition causes the tooth structure to break down from the inside out. Affected teeth typically need extraction as there’s no way to reverse the damage.
- Oral Tumors: Both benign and malignant growths can develop in your pet’s mouth. Early detection through regular dental exams significantly improves treatment outcomes.
- Retained Baby Teeth: When puppy or kitten teeth don’t fall out naturally, they crowd adult teeth and create pockets for bacteria. These retained teeth should be removed to prevent future dental problems.
- Malocclusion: Misaligned teeth can cause pain, difficulty eating, and abnormal wear patterns. In some cases, orthodontic intervention or selective tooth extraction may be required.
9 Signs Your Pet Has Dental Issues
- Dogg breath smells worse than usual
- Dropping food while eating or only eating with one side of their mouth
- Yellow or brown buildup near the gumline
- Red and swollen or bleeding gums
- Pawing at the face of rubbing against furniture
- Excessive drooling or bloody saliva
- Head shyness or resistance to their face being touched
- Appetite or weight loss
- Facial swelling
4 Professional Dental Services and Procedures
Annual Dental Cleanings Under Sedation
Professional dental cleanings require general anesthesia to thoroughly clean below the gum line where disease-causing bacteria hide. During the procedure, your veterinarian performs scaling to remove tartar, polishing to smooth tooth surfaces, and fluoride application to strengthen enamel. Pre-operative blood work ensures your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia, while dental charting documents the condition of each tooth for future reference. This comprehensive approach removes existing disease and helps prevent future problems from developing.
Dental X-rays and Diagnostics
Digital dental X-rays reveal problems hidden below the gum line that visual examination alone can’t detect. These images show tooth root health, bone loss, abscesses, and other issues affecting up to 60% of tooth structure that’s not visible. X-rays help determine whether teeth can be saved or require extraction, guide treatment planning, and establish baseline records for monitoring your pet’s oral health over time. Most veterinarians recommend full-mouth X-rays during every professional cleaning to catch problems early.
Tooth Extractions
When teeth become too damaged or infected to save, extraction provides immediate pain relief and prevents infection from spreading throughout the body. Your veterinarian uses specialized instruments and techniques to remove the entire tooth, including all root structures, then sutures the gum tissue closed. While losing teeth sounds concerning, pets adapt remarkably well and often feel much better after painful teeth are removed. Post-extraction care includes pain medication, soft food, and antibiotics if infection is present.
Advanced Periodontal Treatments
Beyond routine cleanings, some pets need specialized periodontal therapy to save teeth affected by moderate gum disease. These treatments include deep root planing to remove bacteria below the gum line, antibiotic gel application to fight infection, and gum surgery to reduce pocket depth. Your veterinarian might also apply protective sealants or perform guided tissue regeneration to help damaged structures heal. These advanced procedures can save teeth that would otherwise require extraction.
How to Prevent Dental Disease in Pets at Home
- Start brushing your pet’s teeth daily – Use pet-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste) and introduce brushing gradually with positive reinforcement. Even brushing three times per week significantly reduces plaque buildup.
- Choose dental-friendly treats and chews – Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which indicates proven plaque and tartar reduction. Avoid extremely hard items that could break teeth.
- Add dental water additives to their bowl – These tasteless solutions help reduce bacteria in your pet’s mouth throughout the day. Change the water daily for maximum effectiveness.
- Schedule regular veterinary dental exams – Your vet should check your pet’s teeth at every wellness visit, typically twice yearly. They’ll recommend when professional cleanings are needed based on your pet’s individual risk factors.
- Feed dental-specific diets if recommended – Some pets benefit from prescription dental foods with larger kibble that mechanically cleans teeth or special ingredients that prevent tartar formation.
- Inspect your pet’s mouth weekly – Lift their lips to check for red gums, broken teeth, or unusual growths. Early detection of problems makes treatment easier and less expensive.
- Provide appropriate chew toys – Rubber toys, rope toys, and dental chews give your pet safe outlets for their natural chewing instincts while helping clean their teeth through mechanical action.
- Consider professional dental sealants – Applied during cleanings, these protective barriers help prevent plaque attachment on clean teeth, extending the time between professional cleanings.
Conclusion
Your pet’s dental health directly impacts their quality of life and longevity. By combining professional veterinary care with consistent at-home prevention, you’re investing in their overall well-being and potentially adding years to their life.
Take the first step toward better dental health for your pet. Schedule a comprehensive dental examination at Southpaw Animal Care today. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more pet health tips, and check out our reviews on Yelp to see why pet parents trust us with their furry family members’ dental care.
