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How important are your pet’s teeth, really, when compared with major organs like the heart and lungs?
Incredibly important, it turns out. The importance of dental care for pets can’t be overstated. The team at True Care Veterinary Hospital would like to share the top 5 reasons why it’s crucial for your furry friend to get routine dental care.
5 Reasons Why Pet Oral Health Matters
Here are the top five reasons why pet dental health is so important to your pawsome pal’s overall health.
1. Prevents Painful Dental Diseases
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in pets. According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, by the time your dog is three years old, they have an 80-90% chance of already living with dental disease.
Ouch.
The numbers are similar for cats. By the time they’re four or older, cats have a 50 to 90% chance of already having dental disease, according to Cornell.
The amazing news is that caring for your pet’s teeth with regular brushing, water additives, and treats helps prevent dental diseases like gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay.
Yearly dental exams and cleanings can fully prevent these diseases from progressing.
2. Protect Vital Organs
When you compare your pet’s teeth to your pet’s heart or lungs, it seems clear which body part is more important.
But here’s the thing: bacteria from dental diseases in your pet’s mouth can enter their bloodstream and damage vital organs.
Yikes!
It’s no surprise poor pet dental health has been linked to heart, liver, and kidney diseases.
When you take care of your pet’s mouth, you’re taking care of her entire body.
3. Improve Quality of Life
Pets with healthy teeth and gums are happier and more comfortable all day, every day. This is because oral pain can make it difficult for your pet to eat, play, or even enjoy affection.
Would you be able to concentrate on cuddling if your mouth constantly hurt?
With a little bit of daily, weekly, and yearly care, your pet can live life without the scourge of oral pain.
4. Save Money on Veterinary Bills
Neglected dental health often leads to expensive treatment like tooth extractions or surgeries to fix up your pet’s mouth. Routine dental care is a budget-friendly way to avoid serious health problems later on.
Think of a yearly dental exam—which inspects the areas under your pet’s gumline—and professional cleaning as an investment in your pet’s health and your veterinary budget.
5. Catch Other Health Issues Early
Regular dental check-ups can help your veterinarian spot other underlying health problems sooner. Your pet’s oral health is often a window into their overall well-being. Early detection of issues like oral tumors or systemic diseases can make a big difference in treatment outcomes.
If it’s been a while since you scheduled your pet for a dental cleaning, reach out to our caring team at True Care Veterinary Hospital. We look forward to partnering with you to keep your pet’s dental health in tip-top shape! Call us at (732) 677-2180 to schedule your pet’s oral health appointment.