There are quite a few things we learn and teach from a very young age. Good oral hygiene is among the list of things that babies are trained in. Webegin our oral hygiene as soon as we start developing teeth. Getting babies to brush their teeth can be difficult, but it is crucial for strong and healthy teeth.
The World Health Organization has campaigns that stress the importance of teaching children oral hygiene. In schools, oral health is emphasized through oral health education and promotion activities. Effective teaching will result in good habits that prevent oral diseases.
Your oral health has an impact on your confidence. You are more likely to be self-conscious if you have stained teeth. Bad breath can also be a concern, especially on a night out with friends.
Bad breath results from several causes like infection, tobacco products, dry mouth, and the food we eat. It can also be from poor oral hygiene that results in plaque deposits in your mouth. Luckily, you can get plaque-preventing dental materials from SelenBio Dental that acts as a shield to prevent plaque buildup.
Unfortunately, for most pet owners, the oral health of their pets is often forgotten. Periodontal disease, which damages tooth support tissue and leads to progressive loss of teeth in pets, is often overlooked.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 70% of cats and 80% of dogs aged above three, have some form of periodontal disease. To put that in perspective, 1 in 4 dogs may be ailing, which is quite sad. Pet owners need to be aware and take care of their pets’ oral health.
Dental Diseases in Pets
Just like in humans, poor oral health begins with poor hygiene. Most dental diseases begin with plaque. Plaque is a sticky film, made up of food particles and bacteria, which form around teeth. Initially, it is soft, but after time it begins to harden and deposit on the teeth.
After a while, the plaque hardens at the base of teeth to form tartar, visible just above the gum line. Tartar is usually the first indicator that you need to visit a veterinarian. Veterinary dental tools enable veterinarians to remove tartar with minimal discomfort to your pet.
The tartar poses a threat to your pet’s dental health. Since tartar forms at the base of the gum, you may dismiss inspection because your pet has white teeth. However, it is possible to have white teeth and a tartar deposit.
If the tartar deposits below the gum, dental problems will begin. Tartar has bacteria that irritate and can cause inflammation in the gum line. The bacteria may also damage the tissue that supports the teeth leading to more pain and dental problems.
Signs of Dental Diseases
Several signs may indicate an underlying dental problem. Some of the common signs to watch out for include:
- Discolored teeth- Your pet may develop brown or yellow teeth.
- Bad breath – Your pet’s breath can be foul at times.
- Excessive drooling
- Bleeding gums or inflammation in gums – Check for redness and swollen gums.
- Bloody saliva – Ropey saliva may also indicate an underlying condition.
- Loose teeth and tooth loss
- Irritability
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss – Weight loss may stem from poor nutrition. Extended periods fighting off infection may also lead to weight loss and weakened immunity.
- Problems keeping food in the mouth
If you notice abnormal behavior in your pet, schedule a visit with your veterinarian. The condition needs to be addressed by a professional.
Why Does Oral Health Matter?
Similar to human oral health, dental hygiene for dogs and cats matters. As a pet parent, observing good oral hygiene for your pet will:
1. Prevent loss of teeth
Good dental hygiene will help reduce bacterial build-up and plaque, thus protecting their gums and tissue from damage. Healthy teeth-supporting structures will keep the teeth in place.
2. Prevent halitosis
Bad breath or halitosis in pets can be annoying. Dogs love to lick people and their bad breath can be difficult to stomach. If you maintain a cleaning routine for your pet’s mouth, you will not have to worry about your dog’s breath.
3. Prevents other health conditions
Plaque contains bacteria. Apart from damaging the gum, this bacteria may find its way into your pet’s bloodstream. The bacteria may cause damage to the heart liver and kidneys causing organ failure.
4. Keeps your pet pain free
You may be familiar with dental pain. This may be from your personal experience or somebody you know. Pain in the mouth causes a lot of discomforts. It is heart wrenching to see our pets suffer from it. A little bit of daily hygiene can go a long way to keep this at bay.
Conclusion
Your pet’s dental health is very important. You must take the time to care for your pet’s oral health. This will reduce the chances of teeth loss, bad breath, pain, and other complications that arise from bad oral hygiene.
Get your pets chews and water additives to help clean their mouth. You should also visit a vet every once in a while. Regular checkups are great for catching diseases early.
Taking Care of Your Pet’s Oral Health
Apart from getting the pet essentials, there are oral health practices that you should incorporate into your daily routine. These practices will give you a better chance of avoiding different forms of periodontal disease and keeping them healthy. Let us have a look at what you need to do:
1. Visit a veterinarian regularly for checkups
You will get better services from certified doctors with the right veterinary dental instruments.
2. Get dental treats and chews for your pets
Dental chew’s ingredients target plaque and also clean your pet’s mouth.
3. Buy dental additives
You can manage your pet’s oral health by adding dental additives to their water. Look for the best dental water additive for cats to help fight off your cat’s bad breath. Similarly, if your dog’s plaque is a worry, get a dog-plaque water additive.
4. Brush your pet’s mouth.
Get your pet a toothbrush and pet toothpaste. Do not use human toothpaste. You can begin cleaning as early as 6 months to get them used to the process.
