Have you looked inside of your pet’s mouth lately? It seems like an odd thing to do, but it’s a huge step towards proper pet healthcare. Oral disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in patients of small animal hospitals. Studies show that as many as 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop signs of periodontal disease or gingivitis before they reach three years old. Without regular cleaning both at home and professionally, bacteria and plaque can build up on the teeth and gums causing bad breath and gingivitis. If that wasn’t bad enough, the bacteria can get into your pet’s bloodstream and cause damage to the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. The good news is that oral disease is almost entirely preventable, and treatable when addressed promptly. Regular dental exams and dental home care for your pets can help you to keep oral disease at bay, which in turn can prolong the life of your pet.

Even though your pets can’t talk to you, there are lots of ways that they can tell you that it’s time for action. Remember when your puppy or kitten’s shiny white new adult teeth came in? Now lift your pet’s lips and take a peek at the teeth and gums. If those pearly whites seem more yellow than white and the gums are swollen or inflamed, you’re looking at plaque and tartar buildup. Are the gums red or bleeding? That can be gingivitis, or the beginnings of more severe periodontal disease. Left without treatment, this can lead to oral pain or tooth loss, and that can keep your pet from wanting to eat. Loss of appetite, excessive drooling, and loose teeth are all signs that dental disease may be affecting your pet.

With dental disease, just like with any healthcare issue, the best defense is a good offense. Imagine what might happen if you hadn’t seen a dentist until you were 20! Start by having your pet’s teeth and gums examined and professionally cleaned. A dental exam and cleaning should become part of your pet’s regular veterinary visits. In between cleaning, you can help keep teeth fresh and bright by adopting an oral home-care plan. This can include brushing, special dietary aides, and other techniques to help to keep your pet healthy year round. Be sure to stick with toothpastes in flavors and formulas made especailly for pets. At your next visit, please ask us for a hands-on lesson in providing good home dental care for your pet.