Importance of Routine Dental Care

Many pet owners are surprised to learn that part of good animal care is taking care of their pet's teeth. Both dog's and cat's teeth can build up plaque and tartar that causes tooth loss and gum disease. Poor oral health left untreated can lead to serious health issues throughout the pet's body. That's why our team at Hamilton Road Animal Hospital in Columbus is here to provide the dental care your pet needs at any stage of its life.

Why Pet Dental Care Is Important

If you do not take the time to check your pet's teeth and clean them regularly, a variety of medical problems could arise. If a pet has an infection in the mouth because of an inflamed area around a tooth, it could lead to pain, discomfort, and the possibility of spreading to other parts of the body. If your pet's teeth aren't cleaned, plaque and tartar will build up on them. This can lead to eventual tooth loss.

Understanding Periodontal Disease

About 87% of adult dogs and 70% of cats in America suffer from periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can be very painful. There is also evidence that periodontal disease left untreated can contribute to heart disease. In cats, periodontal disease is thought to also increase the risk of kidney and liver disease.

Brushing Your Pet's Teeth

There are many teeth cleaning options for pet owners. For example, brushing with toothpaste made for pets weekly helps significantly reduce the chances of building up plaque and tartar that can lead to problems. It also makes your pet's breath smell a lot better. However, make sure to never use toothpaste made for people. Some people toothpaste contains an ingredient called xylitol (also found in some chewing gum) that can be very toxic to your cat or dog if swallowed.

Oral Care from Our Veterinarian

At the first signs of a dental problem, contact one of our veterinarians for an appointment. Your pet's teeth will then be examined for signs of gum infections or loose teeth. If your pet needs their teeth cleaned or any teeth pulled, we can schedule an appointment for that. We will also provide you with recommendations regarding the upkeep of your pet's dental care and give you tips on achieving this at home between their routine well-visits.

Contact Our Animal Hospital for Dental Care from Our Columbus Vet

If you still have questions about dental care for your pet that have not been answered here, contact us at Hamilton Road Animal Hospital for more information. Our professional staff is dedicated to providing pets the care they need to live safe and healthy lives. Call us at (614) 239-0027 to schedule your pet's next exam or to learn more about how our veterinary services can benefit you and your pet.