National Pet Dental Health Month was created to bring awareness about the importance of dental care in our furry family members.
Does your pet have bad breath? Or excessive tartar buildup on their teeth? This could be a sign of serious underlying dental disease that can cause, or be caused by, other health issues.
Annual anesthetic dental cleanings in dogs/cats over 2 years old are an important part of your pet’s overall healthcare. These cleanings allow us to perform dental radiographs (x-rays) that help us detect disease below the gumline that we cannot see with our eyes. We are also able to remove tartar buildup from the teeth and under the gumline to try to prevent/slow down gingival recession that can lead to health issues down the road.
Have your pet’s teeth checked sooner if you notice any of the following:
- Bad breath
- Broken or loose teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Heavy tartar build up
- Retained baby teeth
- Pain in/around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth
Left untreated, dental disease can affect the heart, kidneys and liver leading to more serious underlying disease over time. Maintaining a healthy mouth can greatly prolong the life of your sweet pet!
Ways you can help at home:
- Daily brushing of teeth with a toothpaste made for cats/dogs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHvUu97H5oQ
- Daily use of dental chews or water additive
Sign your pet up for our Complete Wellness Plan to ensure your furry family member gets their dental cleaning done every year!