Virtually everyone recognizes the importance of proper dental care for themselves and their children - regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing, routine visits to the dentist, preventative care, etc. - but a great number of people are not aware that the family pet needs proper dental care too. Yes, that's right, dogs and cats need proper dental care too!

Unlike us humans, dogs and cats rarely get cavities. However, the build up of dental tartar on their teeth over the years, if neglected, will eventually spread into the gums of your pet, causing gingivitis. Once this gum disease has established itself in your pet's mouth, it's likely to lead to the further development of periodontal disease, an infection and breakdown of the gum tissue that surround the teeth. The results are loose or missing teeth for your pet and increasingly large vet bills for you. Early prevention is the best remedy for both you and your domestic companion.

The first step you as the pet owner can take in preventing the development of gum disease is to regularly examine your pet's mouth. Here are some signs of oral cavity disease you should be looking out for: red, bleeding gums (periodontal disease); brown marks on teeth (dental calculus); loose teeth; missing teeth; and foul mouth odor. If any of the above are found, your pet is already suffering from some form of dental health disorder. Not only will these afflictions make it difficult for your pet to eat, they will likely suffer from loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss. Additionally, dental problems left untreated can eventually lead to organ dysfunction and shortened lifespan for your pet - all caused by the bacterial toxins released during the buildup of tartar and calculus on your pet's teeth. As you can see, simple preventative measures taken early on will benefit both you and your pet in the years to come.
Once you've established your pet does indeed have an oral disease, your next step is to schedule a visit to the family vet for an examination. Your veterinarian will assess the condition of your pet's mouth and recommend the best course of action. Once you have taken care of the current problems, regular office visits, just as we have regular dentist visits, will aid in the early detection of any future dental issues and are a vital component to maintaining your pet's overall good health. As important as these frequent professional visits are, your role as the pet owner is even more crucial. By practicing healthy preventative dental habits at home along with maintaining regular vet checkups, you will ensure healthy gums and teeth for your four-legged friend.
Among the many preventative measures you should practice at home, getting into the habit of a daily tooth brushing for your dog or cat is critical to maintaining clean teeth, free from tartar and other buildups. There are a variety of dental care products available on the market today, specifically made for dogs and cats. In addition to regular brushings, giving your pet crunchy treats or toys designed to aid in breaking up tartar can help in your efforts to keep your animal's teeth strong, white and smooth.
Dental care for dogs and cats is without a doubt a very pertinent aspect of the overall health and wellbeing of your pet. Veterinarians report that oral cavity disorders are the number one problem seen in dogs and cats and, furthermore, approximately 3/4 of the dogs and cats examined in their practice have some stage of gum disease. Armed with this overwhelming information you now have the opportunity to enable that beloved member of your family to live a long, happy and healthy life.