The Importance of Periodontal Disease Prevention in Pets

 

Good dental health is essential for all pets, but it is especially important for cats and dogs. Poor dental hygiene can lead to periodontal disease, which can cause pain and discomfort, as well as damage to your pet’s teeth and gums. In Canada, periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases among cats and dogs. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about periodontal disease prevention in pets.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

The most common cause of periodontal disease in pets is the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that accumulates on the surface of teeth over time. If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar, which can irritate the gum line and lead to infection. Other causes of periodontal disease include genetics, age-related wear and tear on the teeth and gums, poor diet, or trauma to the mouth or head area.

Signs & Symptoms

The early signs of periodontal disease may be subtle but they are important to recognize. Common symptoms include bad breath (halitosis), yellowing or browning of the teeth, bleeding gums, swollen or tender gums, difficulty eating/chewing food, visible tartar accumulation on the teeth (especially near the gum line), loose or missing teeth, and drooling more than usual. If you notice any of these signs in your pet it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away for an evaluation.

Prevention & Treatment

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent periodontal disease from occurring in your pet. Regular brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is one way to reduce plaque build-up on their teeth; however, if manual brushing isn’t possible then products such as dental chews or oral rinses can help keep their mouths healthy too! Additionally regular professional cleanings under anesthesia by your veterinarian are key for keeping your pet’s mouth healthy throughout their life span as well as diagnosing any issues before they become serious problems. Finally making sure they have a balanced diet that includes plenty of crunchy foods like kibble helps remove plaque naturally through chewing action during mealtime!

Periodontal disease is a common problem in cats and dogs that needs to be taken seriously; however, with proper preventive care it’s easy to keep this condition at bay! Regular brushing along with professional cleanings under anesthesia by your veterinarian plus appropriate oral hygiene products combined with a balanced diet will ensure that your Canadian pet has healthy gums and pearly whites for many years to come!