7 reasons to seek pet dentistry from your vet in Lakewood, CA

Just like you visit your dentist for regular checkups, your pets' teeth also need to be evaluated from time to time. We like to get to know our precious patients and their individual needs, understanding that their health and wellness affects their quality of life – and even their relationship with you.

Here are some of the top reasons why pet dentistry is offered in our Lakewood, CA animal hospital:

• Enamel can wear down. Our pets do a lot more chewing than we do. Chewing is something they often do "just for fun." That being said, all that chewing on hard toys and treats can lead to worn enamel which, in turn, could lead to pain.
• Dogs can get gum disease, too. In fact, statistics show that, by the age of 3 years, a high percentage of dogs have plaque buildup and inflammation in their gums. This can be prevented with routine checkups and cleanings.
• Dental problems can cause tooth loss.
• Pets instinctively hide their pain, so you may not know that a tooth is loose and painful unless you are seeing the vet regularly for checkups. The alternative is that your pet does finally show signs of distress, but this is typically not until a problem has become quite serious.
• Dental problems can damage other organs, including the heart, by allowing bacteria to act systemically throughout the body.
• Biological activity of bacteria from the mouth can lead to other health conditions in your pet. The stress and cost of these health problems can be avoided with proper preventive care.
• Dental care keeps bad breath at bay. If your pet's breath is foul, your interactions with them may be rather unpleasant. Bad breath is a major indicator of poor oral health. Dental care can minimize the risk of serious disease, and also help to maintain fresher breath.

During your routine checkups at Bloomfield Animal Hospital, we are happy to discuss ways to care for your pets' teeth at home. If your pet shows any signs of dental discomfort, such as swelling or dropping food while eating (if this is out of the ordinary), schedule a visit. You and your pet will be glad you did.