Signs of Dental Problems in Pets

It can be hard to tell what is going on with your pets and their health. Since they can’t physically tell us when something is wrong, it’s up to us to recognize the signs of an issue. Bowman Veterinary Hospital is here to help you understand when to call the vet for dental issues and when it can wait. 

Warning Signs of Pet Dental Disease

Do you think that you would recognize the early signs of an oral problem in your pet?  Here are the most common tip-offs that your pet’s chompers might need some extra attention:

• Halitosis —  This is a fancy term for dog breath. A stinky odor often indicates infection somewhere. You may not be able to see the source, but if you can smell it, it is a problem.
• Drooling —  Excessive drooling can be a big tip off that something isn’t right inside of its mouth. Pain inside of the mouth may make your pet hesitant to swallow, which can result in excessive salivation.
• Yellow or brown discoloration along the gum line — Check out your dog or cat’s teeth. Any hard buildup you notice is tartar. Tartar harbors bacteria along the gumline, resulting in periodontal disease.
• Red, inflamed gums — If the gum tissue along the edge of the tooth appears puffy and red, your pet is likely suffering from gingivitis. This is a problem that needs to be addressed.
• Broken, loose, or missing teeth —  Broken teeth can be painful and lead to a tooth root abscess, while missing or loose teeth are often a sign of ongoing disease within the mouth.
• Trouble eating or decreased appetite — By the time you are seeing these signs related to dental disease, things are pretty advanced. Don’t rely on your pet not eating to clue you in to a problem.

When You Need the Vet

Understanding when you need our veterinarians involved in your pet’s oral care is a little bit tricky. The reality is that your pet should be having their teeth examined at their annual wellness visits so that we can stay ahead of pet dental problems. 

Most pets will be recommended to have regular anesthetized dental exams and cleanings complete with X-rays nearly every year after the age of three to stay ahead of trouble.

Sometimes, though, pet dental issues can surface suddenly. Please let us know right away if your pet has:

• Suddenly and persistently foul breath
• Difficulty eating
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling of the face or jaw
• Bleeding or inflamed bums
• Pawing at the mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Behavioral changes

Pet dental problems can be painful and affect your pet’s overall well-being. Thankfully, though, with some foresight and action, your pet’s mouth can stay healthy long into their Golden Years.