How Often Do Pets Need Dental Exams?

The most common pet health problem in America is dental disease. This causes pain, reduces vitality, and leads to infections throughout the body. There are two primary methods of ensuring your pet’s pearly whites stay shiny. The first is to practice good dental hygiene at home, and the other is to schedule a yearly comprehensive dental exam. If you live in or near Boca Raton, FL, consider our Boca Village Animal Hospital team for your pet’s annual dental exam.

At-Home Pet Dental Hygiene Tips

Regular brushing can help prevent dental problems. Although pets may initially resist brushing, they can be trained to accept and enjoy the process. Use a toothpaste formulated for pets and a pet toothbrush to reduce tartar and plaque buildup. Pet periodontal disease often develops under the gums, and daily brushing limits its development. Brushing combined with regular dental exams and cleanings can prevent periodontal disease and other issues.

Know the Signs of Pain

Pets naturally hide pain, including dental pain, so we must watch for signs of dental problems such as bad breath, discolored teeth, and difficulty chewing. Pets that display these symptoms or other acute issues, such as a broken tooth or mouth sores, should have their teeth checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Annual Dental Checkup

Despite regular brushing, your pets will experience plaque and tartar buildup, so they need complete dental exams and teeth cleanings annually. Ideally, you can schedule the dental checkup during the pet’s annual wellness exam. Combining wellness and dental exams is often more convenient and helps identify interactions between dental and other health issues.

A comprehensive dental exam includes a detailed oral exam, X-rays, and a thorough teeth cleaning, particularly under the gums, an area not reached by brushing. Dental exams and cleaning require anesthesia since pets cannot lie still for X-rays and will resist cleaning procedures. Using anesthesia helps the veterinarian clean your pet’s teeth without causing stress. Depending on the findings of the physical examination and x-rays, our veterinarian may need to perform further testing for proper diagnosis.

Pet Dental Care Near You in Boca Raton, FL, at Boca Village Animal Hospital

The Boca Village Animal Hospital team offers comprehensive cat and dog dentistry services. If you need a veterinarian near you in the Boca Raton, FL, area, call us at (561) 391-22662. Schedule a pet dental or other veterinary services, today!