20 Sep Why Waiting for Pet Dental Health Month to Have Your Pet’s Teeth Addressed is a Bad Idea
Waiting until Pet Dental Health Month to address your pet’s dental care needs may not be the best approach for several reasons. While Pet Dental Health Month, usually observed in February, aims to raise awareness about the importance of dental care for pets, delaying necessary care can have negative consequences for your pet’s health and well-being. Here are some compelling reasons why you should not wait until this designated month to address your pet’s dental health:
6 Reasons to Be Proactive About Your Pet’s Dental Health
1. Preventing the Progression of Dental Diseases
Dental issues in pets can develop quickly and worsen over time if not promptly addressed. Conditions like periodontal disease, gingivitis, and tooth decay can begin with subtle symptoms, such as bad breath or minor gum redness, but they can rapidly progress to more severe conditions. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition occurring in adult dogs and cats, often starting as early as three years of age. By waiting until Pet Dental Health Month, you risk allowing these conditions to advance, potentially leading to pain, tooth loss, and systemic health problems.
2. Reducing Pain and Discomfort
Dental diseases can cause significant pain and discomfort for pets. Even if your pet does not outwardly show signs of distress, they may still be suffering. Pets often instinctively hide pain as a survival mechanism, making it challenging to detect oral discomfort. By waiting until Pet Dental Health Month, you may inadvertently prolong your pet’s pain and discomfort. Early intervention is crucial for alleviating pain and preventing the need for more extensive dental procedures, such as extractions or surgery.
3. Avoiding Secondary Health Complications
Oral health is closely linked to overall health, and delaying dental care can lead to more severe health issues. Bacteria from dental infections can enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, affecting vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. This condition, known as bacteremia, can lead to serious complications such as endocarditis, kidney disease, and liver problems. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) notes that regular dental care is critical in preventing these complications. By not waiting for Pet Dental Health Month, you help ensure that your pet remains healthy and reduces the risk of systemic health issues associated with poor oral hygiene.
4. Maintaining Consistent Oral Hygiene
Regular and consistent oral hygiene is key to preventing dental problems. Rather than waiting for a single month to focus on dental care, incorporating regular brushing, dental treats, and check-ups into your pet’s routine helps maintain their oral health year-round. Consistent care prevents plaque and tartar buildup, reduces the risk of dental disease, and promotes a healthy mouth. Starting a daily or weekly dental care regimen is much more effective than waiting for an annual promotion or awareness campaign.
5. Avoiding Increased Costs and Complicated Treatments
Delaying dental care can result in the need for more complicated and expensive treatments later. Routine dental check-ups and cleanings are generally less costly than procedures required to treat advanced dental diseases. If issues are caught early, they can often be managed with simple interventions, such as professional cleanings or at-home care. However, waiting until your pet exhibits signs of severe dental disease may necessitate more invasive and costly procedures, such as tooth extractions, root canals, or oral surgery.
6. Better Appointment Availability
During Pet Dental Health Month, many veterinary clinics offer special promotions or discounts, which can lead to a surge in demand for dental services. This increased demand may make it harder to secure a timely appointment, resulting in further delays in addressing your pet’s dental needs. By scheduling dental check-ups and treatments outside of this peak period, you can ensure better appointment availability and more timely care for your pet.
Don’t Wait! Schedule Your Pet’s Next Checkup Today
Waiting until Pet Dental Health Month to address your pet’s dental care needs can lead to the progression of dental diseases, prolonged pain, increased risk of secondary health complications, and potentially higher costs. Consistent and timely dental care is crucial for maintaining your pet’s overall health and well-being. By prioritizing regular dental check-ups and at-home care, you help prevent more serious issues from developing and ensure your pet stays healthy and comfortable year-round.
At Your Pet Dentist in Nashville, every month is Dental Health Month! If your dog or cat is due for a cleaning, please don’t hesitate to contact us to make an appointment.
References
- American Veterinary Medical Association. “Dental Care in Dogs and Cats.” AVMA.
- American Animal Hospital Association. “Dental Health Guidelines for Pets.” AAHA.
Carpe Dentum!
Barden Greenfield, DVM, Dipl. AVDC Board Certified Veterinary Dentist (TM)
Your Pet Dentist of Nashville
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/20/2024). Photo by Angelina Litvin on Unsplash