Your pooch’s atrocious breath could indicate an underlying condition. Just like humans, pets need regular checkups at the dentist to maintain good oral health. Bacterial buildup can cause more than just bad breath. It can also lead to periodontal disease and diseases of the kidneys, liver and heart. To ensure healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime, it’s important to find an Orange Tustin veterinary hospital that offers a full range of dentistry services for pets, including examinations, cleanings and surgical treatments.
How Many Teeth Does My Pet Have?
Knowing how many teeth your pet has and when their adult teeth are due to grow in can help determine if your dog or cat is on track with their dentistry. Soon after birth, dogs will begin to get teeth – 28 deciduous or “baby” teeth in all. Cats start out with only 26 deciduous teeth. When your pet turns six months of age, he’ll begin to lose his baby teeth and an adult set will grow in its place. In all, dogs have 42 teeth and cats have 30.
When Should I Begin Dental Care for My Pet?
Pet owners can begin dental care as soon as their pet has teeth. At home, canine or feline toothpaste can be used to clean teeth and rid the mouth of bacterial buildup. Your veterinarian can help you learn how to care for your pet’s teeth at an early age. It’s also essential to bring your pet to an Orange Tustin veterinary hospital at least once a year to get a checkup. Your vet can tell you if your pet has retained any deciduous teeth that may need to be removed or if he is suffering from any oral health problems.
What Happens During a Routine Cleaning?
To maintain the health of your pet’s teeth and gums, routine cleanings are recommended by most veterinarians. In some cases, the animal’s blood will be taken to ensure the health of the kidneys and liver and to check the blood count. Many pets are put under anesthesia during a routine cleaning to avoid a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. The cleaning itself is similar to a human teeth cleaning. Your vet will remove any bacteria and tarter, check for cavities and loose teeth and finally polish.
Why Bring My Pet for an Oral Exam?
Many pet owners are not aware of the importance of oral examinations. As pets age, they can develop anomalies, accumulate plaque and tarter and develop oral tumors. Basic oral examinations can be accomplished easily while your pet is awake. Regular dentistry for pets can help ensure that your pet lives a longer and healthier life.
The OC Veterinary Medical Center offers a wide range of diagnostic, laboratory and medical procedures and treatments for their pet patients. To learn more, visit Ocvetmedcenter.com
