1) Beyond maintaining the health of your pet’s mouth, veterinary dentists have the training and expertise that could literally save a pet’s life.
2) Fortunately, veterinary dentists are often able to perform root canals on damaged teeth, removing the pain and saving the integrity of the jawline.
3) Additionally, through the use of digital dental x-rays and other advanced equipment, veterinarians and veterinary dentists can now provide a better quality of life for pets with severe dental disease.
4) This, in turn, has saved many pets from early or unneeded euthanasia.
5) More than 80% of pets over the age of three suffer from some form of dental disease. Sadly, only a small percentage of pet owners provide their pets with a prophylactic dental which could reduce build up of plaque and tartar.
6) In addition to bad breath, poor dental hygiene has been linked to heart problems in dogs. Dogs with bad teeth are more likely to have heart murmurs or infections of the heart’s lining.
7) Pet owners are an integral part of maintaining their pet’s dental health. After a routine dental cleaning, owners should utilize “at-home” care to keep their pet’s oral health at its best!
8) Many diets and treats are now designed to aid a busy pet owner with at home dental care. Also available are chew toys, oral gels, and water additives that help retard plaque formation.
9) An easy and inexpensive option is to apply a barrier sealant once weekly after the pet’s dental cleaning. This process takes less than 2 minutes a week and can help insure a healthy mouth for your pet.
10) Discuss any pet dental health concerns with your veterinarian. You are an integral part of protecting your pet’s health and by working with your veterinarian you can help insure your pet stays with you for a long time.
