Although many animal owners underestimate the importance of pet dental health, animals can develop oral problems just as humans do. Neglecting dental care in pets can lead to discomfort, disease, and lost teeth. At TLC Pet Care Centers of Cincinnati, OH, pets receive the dental care they need to stay in top shape. They’ve compiled the following guide to explain why pet dental care is so crucial to your cat or dog’s health.

3 Reasons Why Pet Dental Care Is Important

1. Prevents Disease

By three years of age, most cats and dogs are already showing signs of periodontal disease. If it goes undetected and untreated, this disease can lead to severe infections, pain, and discomfort. Bacteria from the mouth may also move on to affect the liver, kidney, and heart. Prevention is the best way to ensure your pet doesn’t suffer. Annual cleanings and checkups with your veterinarian can keep periodontal disease and other infections at bay.

2. Improves Health

When your pet is feeling pain, they won’t always make it obvious. You may go weeks without noticing anything is off. That’s why it’s important to have their oral cavity looked at professionally every year. Your veterinarian will inspect your pet’s mouth for discoloration, wounds, chipped teeth, plaque, tartar, and any other problems that could be affecting their health. Many of these can make eating and drinking uncomfortable, which could affect their dietary habits. Dental cleanings and treatment at a vet clinic can ease the effects of these issues or eliminate them entirely.

3. Maintains Teeth

Senior citizens losing teeth isn’t unheard of, and the same is true of older dogs and cats. Their teeth can break or fall out if not properly taken care of, which would be terribly painful for your pet. Pet dental appointments with your vet keep teeth from wearing down to that point with cleanings, testing, and physical exams. Brushing your pet’s teeth at home a few times a week will also help keep them strong. You want your pet to maintain their full set of teeth throughout their lives, so make sure you’re taking care of their dental health.

TLC Pet Care Centers understand the necessity of preventative care and pet dental appointments. That’s why they utilize only the best dental equipment and examine teeth thoroughly with the help of anesthesia. If you have questions about dental health, from diets to daily care, feel free to ask one of their knowledgeable veterinarians. Visit them online to learn more about their services. Call (513) 683-2300 today to schedule an appointment at their East location, or (513) 825-4011 for their West location.