Many people don?t think twice about their pet?s teeth, but that could be a life-threatening mistake to make. While veterinarians often make it a point to discuss the importance of dental health in maintaining a pet?s health, few owners recognize the extent to which dental health contributes to their cat’s overall well-being.?Find out why cat dental cleaning is so important to your pet?s life below.
Cat Dental Cleaning | Necessary For Your Pet’s Health
Bad Breath Isn?t Normal
It is a common myth that pets, including cats, normally have bad breath. In fact, the cat?s mouth has a natural ability to reduce bacteria there, which in turn reduces or eliminates odors. Bad breath signals that there is a high level of bacteria or plaque present. Over time, this build up can worsen from bad breath to damage to the pet?s gums and jaw bone. If you notice bad breath, take action to remedy it.
Most Dental Disease Is Painful
Here’s something to chew on! 7 signs of dental disease in dogs and cats. pic.twitter.com/JF2XazTNhE
? Strong Vet Hospital (@strongvethos) May 18, 2016
Cat dental disease, from mild infections to damaged gums, is painful. If a pet has a broken tooth, it can cause damage to the tissues in the pet?s mouth, putting them at risk of infections, abscesses, and, over time, painful sores. However, cats are very good at hiding their pain. As a good owner, you need to constantly take the time to notice these suppressed signs of pain. Take note if your normally affectionate cat no longer wants attention or to be touched. Some cats will begin urinating outside of their litter box, while others will stop eating because chewing hurts. All of these are distress signals that indicate that something is wrong.
Dental Disease Spreads
Cat dental cleaning is essential because it not only protects the animal?s mouth, but it also protects their overall health. While some issues may be restricted to the mouth, other diseases like gingivitis can become more problematic. Gingivitis can enter into the bloodstream, making its way to the pet?s organs including their lungs. From there, it can also impact the cat?s heart and brain. At this point, it is very difficult for the animal to get treatment that is effective enough. Gingivitis is also the most common dental problem cats face, making complications a real possibility to the unaware owner.
Dental Disease Makes Other Conditions Worsen
Yet another concern is that if your pet has any other type of illness already ? whether or not you know it is there ? dental disease can make those conditions harder to treat and heightens their risk. For example, if your pet is diabetic, the presence of dental disease is worrisome. This is because it is very difficult for a pet to overcome dental sores or infections if they are diabetic, and one disease can hasten the complications of the other. In regards to diabetes, dental disease can also make it harder for you to keep the pet?s blood sugar in line with the vet?s goals. In short, avoiding dental disease in a pet that is already struggling with health concerns is essential.
Dental Disease Can Trigger the Onset of Other Conditions
Information On Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats https://t.co/KHg4DgpU55 pic.twitter.com/wh6YUMbRDs
? Tutorial Guide (@tutorial_guide) March 22, 2017
Building off of the previous section’s warning, dental disease worsens when left untreated. Dental disease will increase the risks of conditions such as diabetics, autoimmune disease, heart failure, arthritis, and cancer.
There Is Help Available
While these types of complications can be worrisome and even terrifying, the good news is that you can prevent them. Proper cat dental cleaning is often all that is necessary. Proper treatment includes providing daily cleaning of your pet?s teeth. Your vet can show you how to do this. Additionally, you will want to schedule routine cleanings from the vet. Only vets can perform a specific cat teeth cleaning procedure that helps protect oral structures like your cat’s bones and tissues. These are small steps you can take to significantly improve your cat?s overall health.
If your pet needs a dental cleaning, now is the time to contact your local dental provider. A cat dental cleaning is available from a trusted, experienced veterinarian.
Do you have questions about cat teeth cleaning risks? Let us know in the comments below.
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