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Dental Disease in Pets: Why We Catch It So Often During Routine Exams
When most pet owners think about dental disease, they picture bad breath or yellow teeth. What surprises many people is how common and how serious dental disease really is, even in pets that seem perfectly healthy.
At Cumberland Animal Hospital, we often identify dental issues during routine wellness exams, sometimes before owners notice any symptoms at home. That’s not because pet parents aren’t paying attention—it’s because dental disease is sneaky, and pets are experts at hiding discomfort.
How Common Is Dental Disease in Pets?
Dental disease is one of the most widespread medical conditions we see in dogs and cats. In fact, most pets show signs of dental disease by three years of age. It progresses slowly, often without obvious warning signs, which is why routine exams are so important.
By the time a pet stops eating, drops food, or seems painful, the disease is usually already advanced.
Why Dental Problems Are Easy to Miss at Home
Pets rarely show pain the way humans do. In the wild, showing weakness could be dangerous, and that instinct still exists today.
Common signs that owners may overlook include:
- Mild bad breath
- Slight tartar buildup
- Red or inflamed gums
- Chewing more on one side of the mouth
- Eating slower than usual
Many pets continue to eat and act “normal” even with painful dental infections. That’s why a quick look at home often isn’t enough.
What We’re Looking for During a Routine Exam
During your pet’s wellness visit, we check much more than just teeth color. We’re evaluating:
- Gum health and inflammation
- Tartar and plaque buildup below the gumline
- Loose or fractured teeth
- Signs of infection or abscesses
- Pain response when the mouth is examined
Dental disease often starts below the gumline, where it can’t be seen without a professional exam or dental X-rays. This is one of the main reasons problems are frequently discovered during routine visits rather than emergency ones.
Why Dental Disease Is More Than a Mouth Problem
One of the biggest misconceptions about dental disease is that it only affects the mouth. In reality, untreated dental infections can impact your pet’s entire body.
Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect:
- The heart
- The liver
- The kidneys
- The immune system
Chronic dental pain also reduces quality of life. Pets may become less playful, less social, or simply seem “slower,” and it’s easy to assume that’s just aging when pain is actually the cause.
Why Professional Dental Cleanings Matter
Brushing at home is fantastic and highly encouraged, but it’s not always enough on its own.
Professional dental cleanings allow us to:
- Clean beneath the gumline
- Take dental X-rays to assess tooth roots
- Remove infected or damaged teeth if needed
- Prevent disease from progressing further
These cleanings are done under anesthesia for your pet’s safety and comfort, allowing for a thorough and pain-free procedure.
Prevention Goes a Long Way
The good news? Dental disease is highly preventable with the right care plan.
We often recommend:
- Regular wellness exams
- Professional dental cleanings as needed
- At-home brushing with pet-safe toothpaste
- Dental chews or diets approved by your veterinarian
Every pet is different, so dental care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Breed, age, and lifestyle all play a role in determining what’s best.
Why Routine Exams Make Such a Difference
Many of the dental issues we diagnose at Cumberland Animal Hospital are caught early, before they become painful, expensive, or life-altering. That’s the power of routine preventive care.
A short exam today can prevent chronic pain, tooth loss, and systemic illness down the road.
If it’s been a while since your pet’s last dental evaluation, or if you’ve noticed bad breath or changes in eating habits, we’re always happy to take a closer look.
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