Pet Dental Cleaning: 3 Reasons Your Dog & Cat Will Thank You
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that dental disease is one of the most common health conditions in pets. Annual dental cleanings are essential to preserving your pet’s overall health and well-being — our pets need regular dental check-ups, just as people do.
Below are three of the ways that prioritizing your pet’s dental health will lead to a happier, healthier life for them.
1. Stop Dental Disease Before It Hurts
The primary reason to schedule annual dental cleanings for your pet is to prevent dental disease. According to the AVMA, most dogs and cats show signs of periodontal disease by the age of three.
This condition begins when plaque accumulates on your pet’s teeth – the plaque can then quickly calcify into tartar and spread beneath the gum line, leading to painful inflammation and infection. Left untreated, dental disease can cause:
• Painful gingivitis & periodontal disease
• Tooth loss
• Difficulty eating
• Chronic bad breath
Annual professional cleanings help to catch and address dental disease early and prevent its progression — ensuring your pet maintains a pain-free, healthy mouth.
1. Stop Dental Disease Before It Hurts
The primary reason to schedule annual dental cleanings for your pet is to prevent dental disease. According to the AVMA, most dogs and cats show signs of periodontal disease by the age of three.
This condition begins when plaque accumulates on your pet’s teeth – the plaque can then quickly calcify into tartar and spread beneath the gum line, leading to painful inflammation and infection. Left untreated, dental disease can cause:
• Painful gingivitis & periodontal disease
• Tooth loss
• Difficulty eating
• Chronic bad breath
Annual professional cleanings help to catch and address dental disease early and prevent its progression — ensuring your pet maintains a pain-free, healthy mouth.
2. Dental Cleanings Also Protect Vital Organs
Dental health is directly connected to your pet’s overall well-being. When bacteria from dental disease enter the bloodstream, they can affect vital organs, so regular dental cleanings also help protect your pet from:
• Heart disease
• Liver problems
• Kidney issues
• Complications with diabetes management
The AVMA emphasizes that untreated dental disease can have serious consequences for your pet’s health beyond just oral discomfort. By maintaining good oral hygiene through professional cleanings, you’re not just protecting your pet’s mouth – you’re safeguarding their systemic health.
3. Regular Cleanings Save Money over Time
In addition to helping to safeguard your pet’s long-term health, regular dental cleanings can save you significant costs down the road. Untreated dental disease generally requires more extensive and expensive procedures, such as tooth extractions or treatment for infections that spread to other parts of the body.
By catching issues early through regular cleanings, you can address minor problems before they escalate into major health concerns. Preventive care not only helps your pet stay healthier and more comfortable — it also keeps your budget in check.
3. Regular Cleanings Save Money over Time
In addition to helping to safeguard your pet’s long-term health, regular dental cleanings can save you significant costs down the road. Untreated dental disease generally requires more extensive and expensive procedures, such as tooth extractions or treatment for infections that spread to other parts of the body.
By catching issues early through regular cleanings, you can address minor problems before they escalate into major health concerns. Preventive care not only helps your pet stay healthier and more comfortable — it also keeps your budget in check.
Invest in Your Pet’s Health and Future
Incorporating annual dental cleanings into your pet’s healthcare routine is a simple yet powerful way to protect their long-term health and happiness.
Schedule a dental check-up today and take the next step towards a healthier, happier life for your beloved pet. Your dog or cat will thank you with their bright eyes and fresh breath.
A healthy mouth contributes to a happy pet, and isn’t that what every pet parent wants?
Spring Valley Animal Medical Hospital — Dental Cleanings
Spring Valley Animal Medical Hospital provides excellent pet dental cleaning for San Diego County, including Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, El Cajon, La Presa, San Diego, La Mesa, Bonita, and Chula Vista, California.
Below are some of the ways we ensure our clients’ cats and dogs get high quality care.
Highly Trained Staff & State-of-the-Art Equipment
Our well-trained, caring staff is highly experienced in dental procedures and equipped with state-of-the-art dental tools.
This includes using ultrasonic scalers for thorough cleaning, high-speed polishers for smooth tooth surfaces, and specialized dental instruments for extractions as needed.
Dedicated Monitoring During Anesthesia
Dental cleanings for pets are different from human dental visits. Pets require anesthesia to ensure a thorough cleaning and examination, including below the gum line, without causing stress or discomfort to your pet.
To enhance safety during the procedure, we assign a dedicated technician to perform real-time monitoring of your pet’s heart rate, rhythm, blood oxygen levels, and blood pressure — using an EKG, pulse oximeter, and blood pressure monitor.
Comprehensive Dental X-rays
We can perform full-mouth dental X-rays as part of the cleaning procedure when necessary. These X-rays can reveal hidden dental problems, such as tooth root abscesses or bone loss, which are not visible during a regular oral examination.
By identifying these issues early, we can provide more effective treatment and prevent future complications.
