As we say in the vet business, clean teeth, clean gut!
Every year February is the month when we remind everyone, including ourselves, that pets cannot carry out oral hygiene themselves and so as pet parents we must help them.
Dental checks are important for keeping your pet healthy. If left untreated some oral issues can cause serious damage and in hindsight may also affect their overall health. This National Pet Dental Health Month, let’s take an oath to prioritize our pet’s oral health as much as we care for their general health.
Why is oral health important?
From the age of 2-3 years, pets start to develop dental problems. It may start with tartar and plaque buildup, pain in the tooth, and may even lead to infection and organ damage. Studies have shown that having a healthy mouth can add life to your pet. When dental disease progresses, it harms other organs; the most common one is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease does not only affect the mouth of your pet, but the bacteria can migrate into their internal organs as well. Some of the dental problems that prevail in pets are:
- Broken teeth and roots
- Infection or abscesses
- Cysts or tumors
- Periodontal disease
Symptoms and signs of bad dental health
Pets with developing oral problems often paw at their faces; they may drool excessively, and avoid eating. These can be because of the pain or irritation they might be feeling. Bad breath and yellow teeth are usually the main indicators of such dental issues. Some of the common symptoms are-
- Red and swollen gums
- Brown or grey teeth
- Broken or loose teeth
- Abnormal drooling or dropping things from the mouth
- Swelling in surrounding areas
- Bad Breath
- Bleeding gums
- Pawing the face or rubbing on objects
- Avoiding hard foods or chewing toys
Also, Read- Best Topical Flea and Tick Treatment For Cats
How to take care of your pet’s teeth?
Brush your pet’s teeth! Brushing is one of the most effective ways to avoid tartar and plaque buildup. If you don’t want to smell the bad breath of your pet, take some time out to clean their teeth and use some good oral hygiene products. There is special toothpaste made especially for pets, like Pet Dent Toothpaste. Other than toothpaste, there are certain oral gels and rinses which help in keeping the mouth of your pet clean, fresh, and infection free. Pet Dent also has a special finger brush that will make brushing your pet’s teeth a convenient and easy process. You can also use certain dental treats, which are known to maintain good oral health.
Along with this, visit your vet regularly and discuss your pet’s dental health. Not only for February but follow the oral hygiene routine for other months of the year too!
Bottom Line,
Let’s celebrate this National Pet Dental Health Month by spreading smiles. This is also the perfect time to take your pet to get their teeth checked! Brush their teeth and say goodbye to infections and diseases.