National Pet Dental Health Month
February marks the start of National Pet Dental Health Month—a paw-some opportunity to focus on your furry friend's dental well-being! Dental disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed problems in pets; over time, it can seriously impact other systems in the body. A professional dental cleaning will keep your pet’s mouth healthy and work to combat issues like gingivitis and dental disease.
Did you know that sixty percent of dental diseases are hidden below the gum line and can only be found with X-rays? Professional cleanings allow us to identify issues and address dental problems before they worsen.
Let's sink our teeth into some common dental diseases and their tell-tail signs:
- Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets. Without proper preventive and home care, plaque and tartar can build up, which may cause oral infections, bad breath, infected gum tissues (gingivitis), or even bone loss (periodontitis).
- Periodontal disease affects the tissue and structures supporting the teeth. It causes red, swollen, and tender gums, receding gums, bleeding, pain, and bad breath. If left untreated it can lead to tooth loss as well as complications in the heart, liver, and kidneys, which can lead to other serious health problems.
- Please note—it is not normal for your pet to have bad breath. It can be a sign of serious dental or gum issues. If your pet is experiencing bad breath, it’s time to take them to the vet.
Dental disease can be prevented with the following:
- Brushing your pet's teeth daily
- Using water additives
- Giving your pet veterinarian recommended oral hygiene chews
- Scheduling a professional dental cleaning with your vet
- Checking with your veterinarian about products available to help keep those pearly whites clean
- If your furry family member is in need of a cleaning or requires any dental work, now is a great time to have it done.
Give us a call at (573) 474-9508 to schedule your pet's dental cleaning today! Your pet's smile will thank you with wagging tails and purrs of appreciation!