February is Dental Health Month for Pets!

February is Dental Health Month for pets, and it is the perfect time to get their teeth checked out and cleaned! Today I am going to talk about ways you can prevent tooth decay in your pets, tell you about different products on the market to help you, and give you a run down of what you can expect at the vet's office when your pet is getting her teeth cleaned!

As humans, we brush our teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste and a toothbrush. We are taught to go to the dentist twice per year to get our teeth cleaned and to have them inspected. Do we give the same attention to our pets? Sad to say, most of us do not.

What could happen to your pet if you don't take care of their teeth?

1. Your pet could develop gum disease

2. If you thought her breath was bad before.......just wait!

3. Tartar and plaque buildup on the outside of her teeth

4. Tooth decay - teeth will eventually chip or break off if they are severely damaged

What can you do for your pet to help them have healthy teeth and gums? Let's go over some basic tasks you can perform in the comfort of your own home!

• BRUSH YOUR PET'S TEETH! Begin to gradually introduce a brushing routine when your pet is very young to get her used to the feeling of the brush in her mouth. Keep the sessions short and make sure they are a positive experience for your pet!
• It is incredibly important that you focus on the gum line as you are brushing - this is the spot where food and bacteria mix to form tartar. Start towards the front of the mouth and work your way towards the back.
• The toothbrush you select should be specially made for pets or should be an extra soft toothbrush for people. Hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the tooth surface and move in an oval motion.
• NEVER USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE ON YOUR PETS - they will upset her stomach. Stick with specially flavored toothpastes such as meat or fish (you can find these at any animal supply store) for brushing.
• To prevent the formation of plaque, you should consider feeding your pet dry food followed by a hard biscuit. The dry food helps produce abrasion to keep plaque to a minimum on the crowns of the teeth.
• Examine your pets teeth frequently looking for any signs of damage or decay. If you notice bleeding gums, plaque build up (brownish teeth), persistent bad breath, or loss of teeth, schedule and appointment with your vet right away!

What should you expect during your pet's dental exam?

The vet will rate/grade the condition of your pet's teeth on a scale of I-IV (I is the lowest; IV is the highest). The determination is made based on the amount of disease and decay seen in her mouth. The teeth are then cleaned in a process very similar to ones we humans receive at our dentist's offices. Hand instruments are also used to break up and plaque or tartar.

Finally, the teeth are polished to inhibit the formation of tartar and buildup. A general anesthetic is used to complete this process. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent bacteria from growing in your pet's mouth.

A new product on the market (given to you by your vet) is OraVet Plaque Prevention Gel. After your pet's teeth are cleaned the gel can be applied to her teeth once per week to slow down the buildup of tartar.

As pet owners, it is incredibly important that we take care of our pets. They rely on us to keep them healthy and to take them to the vet for regular check-ups! Please take the time this month to get your pet in to see your veterinarian - have her teeth cleaned and make it a priority to check her teeth regularly! Could you imagine what your life would be like if all your teeth were rotten and you didn't have dentures? Life wouldn't be much fun and it would be pretty painful!