Maintenance of optimum oral health is essential for your whole family, including your pets. In this case, having your cat or dog undergo a dental cleaning at a local veterinary clinic ensures good dental hygiene. The veterinarians at Tanner Veterinary Hospital in Russellville, AR, provide some information on the importance of dental care.

Why Veterinary Clinics Recommend Regular Dental Cleanings

Oral Issues Are Common

Research suggests that as much as 75 percent of dogs and cats over the age of three suffer from periodontal disease. A buildup of plaque and bacteria can have a detrimental effect on your pet’s oral health. Pets experience pain while chewing, which can prevent them from eating, and tooth loss if decay becomes severe. In many cases, bad breath is linked to poor dental health.

Dental Cleanings Are Preventative

The best defense against periodontal disease is having your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned. During the cleaning, your pet will be put under general anesthesia to ensure the vet accesses all tooth surfaces and your pet experiences minimal discomfort. During a cleaning, plaque is removed using pet-friendly dental tools. The presence of decay is also evaluated, which may require further treatment. Teeth are polished and a sealer is applied to keep bacteria from forming.

What You Can Do at Home

There are steps you can take at home to improve your pet’s oral care in between cleanings. Brush your pet’s teeth using a finger-toothbrush and pet-friendly toothpaste—toothpaste intended for human use might be harmful. Ask the veterinary clinic about products that prevent plaque from forming in the first place, such as tartar control gels. Dental chews are also helpful, which are designed to gently scrub plaque and bacteria from your pet’s teeth.

If you’re in search of dental care for your pet in Russellville, contact Tanner Veterinary Hospital. They have been the go-to veterinary clinic for residents for 50 years. Schedule a pet exam by calling (479) 229-2600. Like this clinic online to stay up-to-date on all the latest news.