Pet Dental Health Awareness Month 

To truly support a pet’s overall vitality, it’s the everyday choices that have the greatest impact. In addition to balanced nutrition, exercise, and socialization, pet dental care is an important element of maintaining health and promoting longevity. 

Pet dental care should be a part of every pet owner’s routine to maintain wellness and enhance the quality, and length, of a pet’s life. Because poor oral health is associated with numerous health conditions, including periodontal disease, systemic illness, and pain, we encourage all pet owners to learn about and commit to some easy oral hygiene methods. 

Simple Steps

Pet dental health can be maintained by simply brushing their teeth as often as possible. Once they learn that their toothbrush and toothpaste provide additional opportunities to receive your attention and affection, they’ll be more likely to enjoy the experience. While it can be challenging to introduce brushing and to train them to sit still throughout your efforts, the exercise is incredibly rewarding. 

Pet Dental Care

Using a pet toothbrush or a finger applicator, apply pet-specific toothpaste to the teeth in a gentle, circular fashion. Starting in the back on the molars, work along the gum line to remove yellow, crusty tartar build up and prevent the filmy plaque substance from developing into tarter. Always keep an eye out for redness, swelling, bleeding, and discolored teeth, and let us know if you have any concerns. 

Healthy Teeth and Gums

To prevent periodontal, or gum, disease, a regular approach to their teeth and gums is essential. In addition to frequent tooth brushing, there are other ways to reduce plaque and tartar and promote a clean, healthy mouth. 

• Dental-friendly chews aren’t a substitute for regular brushing, but they provide a good supplemental value that pets often like. They may not hit every single tooth, but chewing on products tested and approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council can effectively remove plaque from the teeth (especially those back molars where plaque is easily found). 
• Dental wipes have a coarse feel and are medicated with a product that removes plaque and tartar build up. While not as effective as bruising or chews, they are often preferred by pets.
• Water additives are odorless and flavorless products that are easily lapped up by unsuspected pets. The safe chemicals also tackle plaque and tartar and may promote gum health in the easiest way possible. 

Regular Exams and Professional Cleanings

Because of the damage caused by periodontal disease, we screen for dental problems at every pet wellness exam, or every 6-12 months. Untreated, dental disease can progress to tooth loss, pain, and serious infections and damage to the heart, kidneys, and liver. 

In addition to home care, we also recommend a yearly professional cleaning. Conducted under general anesthesia, cleanings involve ultrasonic scalers and polishing tools. We also take radiographs of the whole mouth to understand exactly what’s happening beneath the gum line. 

Dental Health Is Our Priority

If you have questions or concerns about your pet’s dental health, please call our team at Flowers Mills Veterinary Hospital at (215) 752-1010.