Posts Tagged: pet dental
So Fresh and So Clean: The Importance of Pet Tooth Brushing
Can you imagine never brushing your teeth? The idea probably seems distasteful to you, but it’s an unfortunate reality for many pets.
Studies show that roughly 73% of cat owners and 43% of dog owners admit to never having brushed their pet’s teeth. While this may not seem like a serious issue for your pet, poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease, pain and tooth loss. Moreover, the bacteria from dental disease can spread throughout the body leading to systemic health issues and a shortened life span.
If you’ve never given much thought to your pet’s oral health, it’s not too late to start taking care of their teeth. While there are several ways you can help keep your pet’s teeth healthy, daily tooth brushing is the single most effective way to prevent dental disease and associated problems.
The purpose of pet tooth brushing daily is to remove the sticky plaque that develops on the teeth before it hardens and forms into tartar. Unfortunately, once tartar has formed, it cannot be brushed off and will require a professional dental cleaning to be removed.
Anesthesia-Free Pet Dental Cleanings
We are frequently asked about anesthesia-free pet dental cleanings. It involves performing a dental cleaning on a pet by scaling (cleaning and scraping) the pet’s teeth to the gumline without using general anesthesia.
The Marketing of Anesthesia-Free Pet Dental Cleanings
Marketing campaigns have primarily driven the popularity of anesthesia-free dentals. They promote this method as a less expensive alternative to dental cleanings performed under general anesthesia. Unfortunately, this popularity stems from misinformation about what proper dental cleaning entails. Marketers for anesthesia-free dental cleanings often fail to disclose what happens. In some cases, worsen a pet’s oral health. And in extreme cases, involve abuse and cruelty.
Pet owners looking to reduce the need for their pet to undergo general anesthesia might find the idea of anesthesia-free dental cleanings appealing. However, this procedure comes with numerous risks and issues. In our opinion, the risks outweigh any perceived benefits.
The Tooth Of The Matter: Why Pet Dental Health Matters
It wasn’t too long ago in human history that the idea of brushing a pet’s teeth or having them professionally cleaned was practically unthinkable, and the term “veterinary dentistry” didn’t even exist.
Fortunately for our pets, our knowledge of pet health has come a long way in recent years, and so has the field of veterinary dentistry. We now know that the right combination of home care, good nutrition, professional dental cleanings and exams can keep your pet healthy, pain free, and even extend his or her life. Continue…
