Pets go through many of the same disease processes as their human counterparts. Oftentimes many health issues of both pets and their human caretakers could be avoided if they adhered to a regular dental care regimen. Our veterinary team here at Oakdale Animal Hospital in Brandon, MS, suggests pet owners engage in a regular dental maintenance plan for their pets to help them maintain their health and help them keep their teeth longer.
Benefits of Professional Treatment
One of the reasons our veterinary staff recommends people take their pets to their local animal hospital to have their teeth examined and cleaned is because people who are not trained in pet dentistry have no idea when their pet has an issue. People need to realize that brushing their pet's teeth at home should remain something they continue to engage in, however, they need to go a step further. Pets get cavities and dental abscesses just like humans. The only difference is, that your dog or cat has no way of letting you know they have something wrong and need help. Infections caused by tooth abscesses can pose a great danger to the life of a dog or a cat, so keeping your pet’s teeth clean is extremely important.
Retained Teeth
If you have a pet that has grown into adulthood recently you need to make sure you have their teeth checked. Adult dogs have 42 teeth and adult cats have 30. It is not uncommon for dogs or cats to retain some of their primary teeth. This can irritate the gums of pets and lead to tartar buildup. Here in our office one of the things we do is check for regressed teeth and address them if they are present.
Periodontal Disease Management
iodontal disease is caused by the building up of plaque around the base of an animal’s gums. Dogs over the age of three are susceptible to developing periodontal disease. A large majority of dogs (4 out of 5) develop the disease by the time they are 3 years old. This is can be prevented with regular dental exams and cleanings. Per
Learn More about Pet Dental Care
Call Oakdale Animal Hospital today at (601) 829-9949 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.
