We have all been on the receiving end of a loving, open-mouthed kiss from our pet, only to turn our heads away because of the overwhelming smell. For a long time, foul-smelling breath was just written off as normal “doggy breath” or “tuna breath” for cats.
However, in modern veterinary medicine, we know that bad breath is usually the very first alarm bell for a much larger, hidden problem: periodontal disease.
In fact, by the time they are just three years old, most dogs and cats have some evidence of dental disease. Left untreated, it can cause severe pain, tooth loss, and even life-threatening systemic health issues. Here is why proactive dental care is an absolute necessity for your pet’s overall wellness, and how Animal Care Center of Tupelo is making it easier to budget for.
The Hidden Dangers of Dental Disease
Dental disease starts just like it does in humans—with plaque. When plaque isn’t brushed away, it hardens into tartar, which creeps under the gumline. This causes gingivitis (inflamed gums) and creates a deep pocket of infection around the tooth root.
But the danger doesn’t stay in the mouth.
Every time your pet chews, the highly inflamed, bleeding gums allow aggressive oral bacteria to enter their bloodstream. This bacteria travels directly to your pet’s major organs, putting them at a high risk for:
- Heart Disease: Bacteria can attach to the heart valves, causing permanent damage.
- Kidney and Liver Damage: These organs act as the body’s filters. Overwhelming them with constant bacteria can lead to premature organ failure.
Signs Your Pet Needs a Dental Checkup
Because our pets instinctively hide weakness, they will often continue eating even when their mouth is in severe pain. As a pet parent, you have to look for the subtle clues that it is time for a dental exam:
- Unusually bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar buildup on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Dropping food while chewing or chewing only on one side of the mouth
- Pawing at the face or mouth
- Excessive drooling
We Make Comprehensive Dental Care Affordable
A proper veterinary dental cleaning is a comprehensive medical procedure. It requires pre-surgical bloodwork, safe anesthesia, precise monitoring, ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar below the gumline, and polishing. Because of this, the upfront cost of a standalone dental cleaning can feel intimidating for many families.
We never want the fear of a large, one-time vet bill to stand in the way of your pet getting the care they desperately need. That is why we built dental care directly into our Preventative Care Plans.
If you have an adult or senior pet, our wellness plans are designed to remove the financial stress of professional dental care:
- The 3 Years – 8 Years Plan: For just $70 a month, this plan covers your pet’s annual examination with vaccines, vital wellness bloodwork, heartworm testing, and includes a Routine Dental Cleaning.
- The Over 8 Years Plan: For just $80 a month, senior pets receive their essential vaccines, advanced SDMA/urine screening for kidney health, full wellness bloodwork, and their Routine Dental Cleaning.
Unlimited Peace of Mind On top of spreading the cost of a dental cleaning and annual lab work into low monthly payments, these plans also include unlimited $35 wellness exam co-pays. If you are ever worried about a cracked tooth or suddenly bad breath, you can bring your pet in for an exam without a second thought.
Protect Their Smile and Their Health
Routine dental care is one of the most effective ways to extend your pet’s life and keep them comfortable. Don’t wait until they are in pain or losing teeth.
Visit our Preventative Care Plans page to enroll your pet in a plan that includes their next dental cleaning, or call our clinic in Tupelo at (662) 842-8707 to schedule an oral health assessment today!
