Many pet owners are accustomed to regularly taking their pets for dental cleaning to remove tartar. However, dental cleaning alone cannot ensure the oral health of pets. Dr. Sun Quan, Director of Yuan Dian Animal Hospital, points out that in addition to dental cleaning, oral examinations under anesthesia are at the core of veterinary dentistry. In particular, full-mouth X-rays and periodontal probing are essential for a comprehensive assessment of a pet's oral condition.
Dr. Sun Quan, Director of Yuan Dian Animal Hospital. (Image/Provided by Heho Health)
Tartar is a hard mineral deposit that accumulates on the surface of teeth, leading to gingivitis, periodontal disease, and even tooth loss. Dr. Sun emphasizes that dental cleaning only addresses surface issues and cannot resolve deeper oral problems. Many dental diseases, such as periodontal disease and pulp disease, hide beneath the gums and require X-rays and probing for further examination to enable early detection and treatment.
A three-year-old Maltese with bad breath visited the hospital and was found to have severe periodontal disease. After undergoing tooth extraction and advanced treatment, combined with daily tooth brushing, the pet's condition improved significantly, and its oral health was well-maintained.
In summary, dental cleaning is only the beginning. Comprehensive oral examinations and treatments are key to maintaining the oral health of dogs and cats. Small dog breeds prone to periodontal disease especially need early oral examinations under anesthesia and daily brushing to maintain good oral hygiene.
This article is authorized for use by Heho Health.
