Keeping your pet healthy and happy means regular visits to the veterinarian, a good diet, and exercise, but most animal owners forget their pet’s teeth are important, too. As with humans, dental health plays a significant role in overall well-being for dogs and cats. Missouri pet owners take their furry friends to O’Fallon Veterinary Medical Center for everything from pet surgery to spaying and neutering, and their staff also is experienced with animal dental care. They’re committed to overall pet health and want to explain the advantages of clean teeth.

4 Veterinarian-Approved Benefits to Cleaning Your Pet’s Teeth

Tooth Rot Prevention

There’s little difference between your mouth and your pet’s. Their teeth can get cavities just like yours, and minor dental problems eventually can turn into significant tooth rot. Decaying teeth are extremely painful for your pet and probably will have to be removed.

Improved Overall Health

Dental health issues don’t always stay in the mouth; they can spread to other areas of the body and cause severe damage. When your pet’s immune system is busy fighting foreign plaque that traveled through their body, they are vulnerable to other illnesses.

Fresh Breath

Doggie kisses are better when you’re not enveloped in a cloud of stinky breath. Your pet’s diet and tendency to lick and eat random things affect their breath, but so does their oral hygiene. Regular teeth brushing is one of the best ways to freshen your dog or cat’s mouth.

Early Detection of Problems

Pets can’t tell you when something in their mouth hurts, but the longer a problem is left to fester, the worse it will get. Taking time to brush their teeth and inspect their mouth might save you an expensive trip to the veterinarian.

You love your pets as part of the family, and keeping up with their dental care is one way to show it. If you’re not comfortable brushing your dog or cat’s teeth, call O’Fallon Veterinary Medical Center at (636) 272-3100 to schedule an appointment. Their veterinarians and animal care specialists provide thorough teeth cleanings to keep your pet healthy. Visit their website for more information about their services, and check their Facebook page to receive updates from the clinic.