Healthy Teeth for Your Pet

Pet Dental Care

Pet dental health is just as important as dental care for people. By providing regularly dental care to your pet, you can eliminate lots of problems in the years to come. The secret? Start when your pet is young. This will get your pet use to having his/her teeth brushed without a fight-making it much more enjoyable for you both. To begin, wrap a cloth around your finger. After your pet is use to this try introducing a tooth brush. Make sure you choose the right size for your pets mouth. There are many products available to ensure proper oral health care for dogs and cats. Ensure that you use tooth paste that is designed for pets rather than humans.

Foul breath and yellow-brown teeth are not only unattractive, it could be a sign of
serious gum disease that can lead to other problems that affect the health of your pet. Periodontal disease affects nearly 80% of all cats and dogs by the age of three.

Symptoms of gum disease in both cats & dogs include yellow and brown build-up of tartar along gum line, inflamed gums, persistent bad breath or bleeding and/or soreness when mouth is touched. Broken teeth are a common problem, especially among outdoor dogs. According to veterinary dental experts, aggressive chewing on hard objects or commercially available cow hooves is a primary cause of broken teeth in dogs. It is recommended to provide your dog with proper chew toys that will meet your dogs needs to keep healthy teeth and gums.

Puppies start off with 28 temporary teeth when they three to four weeks of age and at four months have 42 permanent teeth. Check the new teeth at this time to ensure they come in correctly. Then check regularly for warning signs of oral disease.

Kittens have 26 temporary teeth that come in at about two to three weeks of age & 30 permanent teeth when they reach three to four months.   In cats, cervical line lesions are the most common tooth disease. ( pinpoint holes at the gum line) Bacteria settles and eventually gingivitis sets in. If you suspect a problems consult a pet dental health professional.

Periodontis is irreversible & can only be contained to prevent progression. This disease causes red, swollen & tender receding gums, bleeding, pain and bad breath. If left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. When your pet is suffering time is of the essence.

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