When we take care of our pets, one often overlooked aspect is dental care. At KKM Veterinary Clinic, our veterinarians in Franklin can help your pet have a healthy mouth. Below are some of the commonly asked questions we receive about pet dental care answered by our veterinarians.
What Is Dental Disease in Pets?
Dental disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, can start to develop in your pet as early as the age of three. It's caused by bacteria that are found in the mouth, which results in inflammation and infection. This can lead to severe pain, loose teeth, and bad breath. It can also become more severe and get into your pet's bloodstream, which can be very dangerous. If your pet has dental disease, there is a chance it can lead to heart and kidney problems as well.
How Do I Know If My Pet Has Dental Problems?
Some telltale signs can help you identify dental issues:
- Bad breath - Bad odors coming from your pet could mean it has dental problems. This is one of the first signs and if you notice it you should go to your veterinarian’s office right away.
- Loose teeth - This can be a sign that dental disease is present.
- Drooling - This is also a sign that your pet may have dental problems. Your pet might be drooling because the pain from the bad teeth is making it drool.
- Not eating - If your pet has dental disease, then it may not want to eat food.
Why Should Pets Have Anesthesia for Dental Exams?
Although your pet may not like the sound of it, dental exams and cleanings are extremely important for their health. It helps keep your pet from feeling pain, prevents certain infections, and helps avoid expensive treatments down the road. Anesthesia is used to keep your pet as comfortable and safe as possible. From a safety standpoint, anesthesia is the safest way to perform dental procedures on your pet. Under anesthesia, severe bleeding can be controlled if it occurs and pets won't experience anxiety.
How Often Should My Pet Get A Dental Exam?
The best advice we can give you is to have your pet's teeth cleaned and examined every year. During the exam, veterinarians are looking for periodontal disease, dental fractures, and other problems that may be present in your pet's mouth.
Contact KKM Veterinary Clinic for An Appointment
Dental care is just one of the many quality services that we provide to ensure your pet is happy and healthy for years to come. If you would like more information, call our team today at (513) 423-2331 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.