While we may regularly take our pet to the veterinarian for yearly health visits, we often underestimate the importance of pet dental health. The teeth and gums are vital to overall health, and regular teeth cleanings are necessary to keep your pet healthy. Let's take a closer look at the importance of teeth cleaning and understand how a veterinarian at Alexander at The Park Veterinary Hospital in Durham, NC, can help.
Importance of Dental Cleaning
Cats and dogs don't have hands like you and me, so they often rely on their teeth to hold and grab items. Your pet's teeth and gums are vital for eating, cleaning themselves, and vocalizing. Open wounds or infections in the mouth can lead to dangerous blood infections for your pet. Further, many illnesses and diseases can be prevented with regular teeth cleaning. Heart disease and kidney disease often show their first symptoms in the teeth and gums. Regular teeth cleanings can help identify and treat dental diseases.
Does It Require Anesthesia?
Yes, cleaning your pet's teeth does require anesthesia. This is for the safety of the veterinarian, and also your pet. Having your vet's hands inside your pet's mouth can be scary and uncomfortable for your pet, so light anesthesia is used. If the veterinarian finds a broken or damaged tooth, he or she may have to extract it. Having your pet already sedated makes this process simple and painless.
What Can You Do Between Cleanings?
Regular teeth cleanings should be done every other year to keep your pet's teeth in tip-top shape. In between cleanings though, there is plenty you can do to keep your pet's teeth clean. There are many hard chews available with varying textures to help clean the places in and around the teeth and gum line. Dental treats, also with varying shapes, are a great way to reward your pet, while also keeping his or her teeth clean. Certain additives can be added to your pet's water to help prevent plaque and food buildup over time. Of course, working together with your veterinarian is a great way to evaluate your pet's teeth and ensure they are regularly cleaned.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian in Durham, NC
Call Alexander at the Park Veterinary Hospital today at (919) 484-9900 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.