Step up your pet’s oral health with Dental Care Services

You brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and see a dentist every six months. But do you also follow an optimal oral hygiene routine for your pet? Unfortunately, many pet owners neglect their pets’ oral health, exposing them to bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. If your pet needs dental care in Jacksonville, Florida, and the surrounding area, please book an appointment with Orange Park Animal Hospital for a professional checkup.

Why pet dental care is important

Just as it is with humans, a slip-up in your pet’s dental care invites tartar and plaque buildup that causes gum disease. Thankfully, you can prevent oral challenges by taking proper care of your pet’s oral health. Here are the benefits of pet dental care:

• Prevents tooth loss: Missing teeth affect your pet’s chewing ability, leading to jawbone loss as well as weight loss. With proper dental care, you can prevent tooth loss by routinely brushing your pet’s teeth and scheduling periodic dental appointments.
• Deters oral pain: Have you ever had a toothache? If so, you know how painful it can be. In light of this, you wouldn’t want your animal friend to go through the same. Proper dental care keeps tooth decay and gum disease in check, preventing cavities that become painful as they grow deeper.
• Prevents bad breath: There is a popular misconception that bad breath in pets is normal. This shouldn’t be the case. If you get a nasty whiff after a slobbery kiss from your dog, it’s a sign of poor oral health. Cleaning your pet’s teeth and gums eliminates odor-causing bacteria for fresher breath.

How to keep your pet’s oral health in tip-top condition

Dental health is an integral component of your pet’s overall health. And the good thing is that taking care of your pet’s teeth and gums isn’t that different from your usual dental hygiene routine. Here are steps you can take to keep your pet’s oral health in great shape:

• At-home oral care: Brush your pet’s teeth every day to get rid of harmful bacteria. Consider scientifically proven dental chews for stronger teeth and preventing gum disease. Also, include dry food in your pet’s diet to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Ultimately, proper oral care should be cultivated from an early age so that pets get used to it from the very beginning.
• Dental checkups: Dr. James Gillen encourages pet parents to visit an animal hospital every six months for a dental checkup. We perform a dental cleaning during these visits to eliminate tartar that hasn’t been removed by at-home oral care. The process is done under anesthesia, so you don’t have to worry about discomfort in your pet. We also carry out oral examinations to assess the health of your pet’s teeth and gums. Should we find any dental challenges, we may recommend fillings, extractions, or other treatments.

Pet dental care in Jacksonville, FL

Want to be in control of your pet’s oral health? Please dial (904) 560 8006 to book an appointment with Orange Park Animal Hospital. Our veterinary team is committed to providing the optimal care your pets need to enjoy their life to the fullest.