Dental care in pets is one of the most often overlooked aspects of health care. I've posted videos, blogs, and photos in the past, but it bears repeating. The bacteria that lies within the mouth spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream. Filtering organs like the heart valves, liver, and kidney tubules catch a lot of the bacteria as they stream through the organ. Bacteria become trapped and set up infections and inflammation, leading to mitral valve disease, liver disease, and kidney failure. The best form of dental care is daily brushing, just like you would do for yourself. Do not use human toothpaste or baking soda to perform this chore. I like coconut oil or
natural products without chemicals and dyes.
Feeding a species appropriate diet that is not loaded with carbohydrates will also help you in the battle to fight dental infection. Pets are not designed to eat a high carbohydrate load. Carbohydrates can actually promote dental decay because they break down into sugars. So the old myth that dry kibble is good for your pet's teeth is FALSE.
Have your pet's teeth checked at least once a year by your veterinarian. Even though an anesthetic procedure is scary, it is better to have a healthy mouth for overall good health. I am NOT in favor of the new non-anesthetic dental cleanings. It is impossible to thoroughly clean under the gum line and on the back sides of the teeth in an awake animal. Scraping tartar without adequate polishing leaves etching on the teeth, which actually promotes tartar and plaque build up.
The pets that had these rotten teeth (photos) both had grade 5 heart murmurs. With proper anesthesia, fluids, and monitoring, their procedures were safely performed. Please don't wait for your pet's teeth to get this bad. Be kind - get their teeth cleaned.
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The only part that isn't rotten is the tip of the root on the right. |
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Infected teeth smell bad and they hurt! |
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