Pearly Whites and Happy Tails: Pet Dental Health Month

It’s pet dental health month, and Trusted Friend Animal Clinic is excited to celebrate. Learn all there is to know about how to keep your pet’s teeth clean.

The Importance of Pet Dental Care

Pet dental care is one of the most overlooked parts of proactive wellness care for our furry friends. Most dogs and cats have some form of dental disease by the time they are three years of age. Many go their entire lives without any dental care whatsoever. 

Bacteria and saliva combine with food and attach to the teeth and gums as plaque. Eventually, this plaque mineralizes and forms a hard substance called tartar. The accumulation of plaque and tartar in the mouth cause inflammation that can destroy the tissues around the teeth. 

This destruction is called periodontal disease. Untreated, periodontal disease can lead to:

• Pain
• Loss of teeth
• Infection
• Damage to organs such as the kidneys, heart, and liver

Pets who receive good dental care live longer, happier lives. All pets benefit from home dental care, routine oral examinations at the veterinarian, and periodic anesthetized cleanings and oral exams.

Caring for Your Pet’s Teeth at Home

Cleaning your pet’s teeth starts at home. You can do your part by:

• Brushing: At-home brushing is the most powerful home dental care option you have. Brushing at least every other day has been shown to significantly reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Use a brush and toothpaste specifically for pets and start slowly. Most pets can be taught to tolerate tooth brushing if you are patient. 
• Dental-friendly diet: Prescription diets have been formulated with a special kibble size and matrix that helps to clean the teeth as your pet chews. The inclusion of a proven dental care diet can be helpful in further improving your pet’s oral health. Ask us for recommendations,
• Explore options: There are also many treats and dental care products that can reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Some of these sprays, water additives, treats, and chews can be helpful. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) certifies products that they have shown to be effective. 

By adding home care to your pet’s wellness care you can help to maintain excellent oral health and keep your pet happy for a long time to come.

Veterinary Dental Care

Home dental care efforts are important, but they do not replace the need for routine dental cleanings at the veterinarian. 

Be sure to keep up your pet’s recommended wellness appointments. During your pet’s wellness exams, our team will conduct an oral evaluation which alerts us to signs of problems. It is important to keep up with these exams so that dental issues can be detected early.

Routine oral examinations and cleanings under anesthesia are also important. It is impossible to complete a thorough oral examination on a pet who is awake. In fact, only 30% of the mouth is visible in a conscious animal, no matter how cooperative they might be. We will recommend oral examinations and dental cleanings under anesthesia periodically for your pet. Some pets may need to have these yearly.

Your Trusted Veterinary Partner

Pet dental care is an essential aspect of good pet care. Pets suffering from untreated dental disease are often in pain and have a shortened life span. We know how important happy, healthy pets are and are dedicated to helping our pet owners achieve this. Please let us know if you have any questions about  your pet’s dental health. Together we can help your pet live a longer, happier life (with better breath, too).