Everyone wants their pets to live a long, healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. One area that often gets overlooked in pet care is dental health, despite its crucial impact on your pet’s well-being.
Routine pet dental care keeps their teeth and gums healthy, of course, but it can also prevent painful issues from occurring in the future. In this article, the veterinary experts at Newport Mesa Animal Hospital reveal the nine most common signs that your furbaby needs a dental check-up now.
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to schedule pet dentistry services with your veterinarian.
How Do You Know If Your Pet Has a Dental Problem?
1. Discolored Teeth
2. Foul Breath
3. Red, Inflamed, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums
4. Broken, Loose, or Missing Teeth
5. Sudden Change in Eating Habits
6. Excessive Drooling
7. Pain, Bleeding, or Swelling around the Mouth
8. Reduced Appetite, Abnormal Chewing, or Dropping Food
9. Additional Teeth or Unerupted Primary Teeth
Do They Have Discolored Teeth?
Over time, plaque and tartar can cause discoloration on your pet’s teeth, turning them yellow or brown. Plaque hardens into tartar, which can’t be removed by brushing alone and leads to decay and infection if ignored.
Professional pet dental care can remove this buildup effectively to restore their dental health. If you notice stained teeth, schedule a pet wellness exam that includes dental cleaning to keep their smile bright.
Do They Have Foul Breath?
Bad breath is more than just unpleasant; it’s often an early warning sign of dental disease. Persistent foul odor could indicate a bacterial buildup, infection, or even advanced periodontal disease.
Addressing bad breath with pet teeth cleaning services prevents plaque and bacteria from turning into something more serious. If your furbaby’s breath is consistently bad, it’s time for a dog teeth cleaning service or cat wellness exam that includes a thorough dental evaluation.
Are Their Gums Red, Inflamed, Swollen, or Bleeding?
Healthy gums should be a soft pink, but red, inflamed, or bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease. Left untreated, gum disease can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss.
Gum health is essential in pet dental services, so catching gum issues early can save your pet from severe discomfort. If your pet’s gums look inflamed, it’s essential to consult with your vet right away.
Do They Have Broken, Loose, or Missing Teeth?
Teeth can break or loosen from trauma, decay, or oral infections. Broken or loose teeth can be excruciating and increase the risk of infection if bacteria reaches the tooth root or surrounding gums.
Vet exams can identify and treat these problems before they worsen. If you notice missing or broken teeth, it’s crucial to seek care immediately.
Has There Been Sudden Changes in Their Eating Habits?
If your pet is eating less, chewing on one side, or struggling with certain foods, this could be a sign of dental pain. Many pets avoid food when their teeth hurt, which can lead to weight loss and poor nutrition.
A dental evaluation helps to uncover the cause of these changes and provide relief. Pay attention to any noticeable shifts in how your pet eats.
Are They Drooling Excessively?
Some pets drool more than others, but sudden, excessive drooling can be a red flag for dental issues. This could indicate oral pain or discomfort, possibly due to gum inflammation or a foreign object lodged in the mouth.
Excessive drooling warrants a prompt pet dental care visit to determine the cause and get it treated. Don’t ignore drooling that’s out of the ordinary for your pet.
Is There Pain, Bleeding, or Swelling around Their Mouth?
Swelling, bleeding, or pain in or around the mouth often points to an infection, abscess, or dental injury. These issues can become serious health concerns if they’re not addressed promptly.
A cat or dog wellness exam enables your vet to identify and treat any underlying dental issues causing discomfort. If you notice visible discomfort or swelling, book an appointment as soon as possible.
Has Their Appetite Reduced? Have They Been Chewing Abnormally or Dropping Food?
Dental pain can cause pets to drop food, chew abnormally, or avoid eating altogether. These symptoms may indicate oral discomfort or more complex dental issues.
Regular pet teeth cleaning services prevent these symptoms by maintaining strong, healthy teeth. If you observe these eating changes, it’s time for a pet dental care visit to ensure your furry family member’s mouth remains in good shape.
Do They Have Additional Teeth or Unerupted Primary Teeth?
Extra or unerupted baby teeth are common in some pets (especially smaller dog breeds), and leads to crowding & difficulty with proper hygiene. These retained baby teeth increase the risk of plaque buildup and dental disease.
Your veterinarian can address this by extracting any problematic teeth to give your pet the best oral health possible. If you notice additional teeth or unerupted primary teeth, consider scheduling a vet exam for dental evaluation right away.
Visit Your Veterinarian to Stay Vigilant to Signs of Dental Distress
Dental health is vital for your pet’s overall quality of life, yet it’s often overlooked. The signs above are clear indicators that your furbaby may need a pet wellness exam with a focus on dental health.
Ignoring these signs can lead to severe pain, infection, and costly treatments down the road. Alternatively, proactive pet dental care maintains a healthy, pain-free smile for your pet.
To schedule a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning for your furry baby, book an appointment at Newport Mesa Animal Hospital today.