{"id":548,"date":"2019-02-06T20:18:37","date_gmt":"2019-02-06T20:18:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bowmanvet.com\/?p=548"},"modified":"2021-08-18T13:18:26","modified_gmt":"2021-08-18T20:18:26","slug":"the-key-to-pet-dental-health-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bowmanvet.com\/blog\/the-key-to-pet-dental-health-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"The Key to Pet Dental Health: Prevention."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Dog<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

We brush our teeth twice a day, and the result of this effort (however minimal it may seem) is nothing short of astounding. We also benefit from regular professional cleanings, exams, and x-rays because the truth is, daily at-home care positively affects oral health and long-term wellness. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applying the same principles to your pet might seem challenging at first, but the benefits to their health are incredible. With this in mind, let\u2019s take a deeper look at why pet dental health is so important.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

A Clean Bill of Health<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the primary reasons we advocate for <\/span>annual wellness exams<\/span><\/a> is because they give us the opportunity to see what\u2019s going on inside your pet\u2019s mouth. Although we won\u2019t be able to see <\/span>everything<\/span><\/i> (a vast majority of issues lie beneath the gum line), we can give you some pointers on brushing at home or recommend various helpful products like rinses, chew toys, and food.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there are obvious signs of trouble in the mouth, we\u2019ll discuss the need for a full dental exam, cleaning, and digital x-rays while your pet is anesthetized.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dangers of Periodontal Disease<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Without regular brushing or routine scaling, plaque and tartar will build up as a result of oral bacteria and food particles. Left unchecked inside the mouth, periodontal disease develops in four distinct stages:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n