In this episode, we shine a light on one of the most common—and most overlooked—areas of animal health: the mouth. Dr. Lindsey Schneider, a board-certified veterinary dental specialist, joins us to break down what every pet owner should know about oral hygiene, dental disease, and when to seek professional care.Together, we explore how dental problems develop, what early warning signs pet parents often miss, and why regular oral care is essential for long-term health and comfort. Dr. Schneider also walks us through what happens during a professional dental cleaning, the risks of untreated dental disease, and practical steps you can take at home to keep your dog or cat’s teeth and gums healthy.Whether you want to improve your daily dental routine with your pet or you’re curious about what really happens behind the scenes in veterinary dentistry, this episode offers clear, compassionate guidance to help you make informed decisions.
Time Stamps:
01:50: Why dental health is important for animals05:30: Dog and cat dental anatomy and physiology vs humans’07:25: Periodontal and endodontal disease, tooth fractures11:19: Tooth resorption in cats14:20: Gingivostomatitis 17:40: Jaw fracture21:00: Oral masses and cancer23:00: Signs of oral discomfort and dental disease25:50: Maintaining dental health at home34:00: Professional veterinary dental care 43:30: Tooth extractions49:00: Geriatric patients in need of dental care, anesthetic safety52:30: Pain management56:00: Advanced dental procedures1:06: Surgical treatments for oral cancers1:12: Effect of oral health on overall health and quality of life1:14: Myths about animal oral health1:19: Dental health and disease in other species
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