Each year the month of February is set aside as veterinary dental month to remind pet owners about the significance of dental health care for their pets. We are often times more aware of the importance of other aspects of our pet’s health, like proper nutrition, annual vaccinations, and heartworm prevention, but our pet’s oral health tends to fall by the wayside.
As with human oral health, dental disease can lead to other more serious health issues. For instance, periodontal disease occurs when bacteria builds up under the gumline leading to gingivitis and recession of the gum tissue. These bacteria can seep into the blood stream and travel to major organs including the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. The ultimate cause of periodontal disease is lack of or infrequent tooth brushing. If done daily, you will notice a significant decrease of halitosis (bad breath), gingivitis, and tarter build up.
Before daily brushing can be beneficial, however, a dental prophylaxis may be required to remove the tarter build up and to clean under the gumline, which begins to reverse the gingivitis. This procedure is done while your pet is under general anesthesia so the veterinarian and veterinary technician are able to do a thorough oral exam and cleaning. Once the professional dental cleaning is done, your pet’s mouth will be like a clean slate for you to begin the daily brushing process in order to maintain the newly cleaned teeth!
The best time to begin brushing is when your pet is a puppy or kitten. Just like everything else you are teaching them while they are young, they will adapt much better while they are growing. If you do have an adult pet, don’t worry, old dogs (and cats) can be taught new tricks! Remember to take the process slowly, making it a positive experience. Work your way up to once then twice daily after it has become a routine for them. By brushing the same time every day, maybe the same time you brush your teeth, they will most likely begin to remind YOU it is tooth brushing time! Click the link below to see more information and a video that offers some brushing pointers.
http://mypetsdentist.com/site/view/TeethBrushing.pml
It is realized that not all dogs and cats will be fond of brushing. If you are unable to persuade your pet to the importance of brushing, there are other options. Treats, chews, rinses, gels, and food are available as alternatives to brushing; these can be used in addition to brushing as well, for added benefit. Click on the Pet Portal button above this article to visit our store to check out dental products available.
Use veterinary dental month to think twice about the importance of your pet’s oral health care by scheduling an exam so your veterinarian can determine what dental plan is best for you and your pet.