National Pet Dental Health Month

February is National Pet Dental Health Month! Dental disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed problems in pets and, 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 disease is hidden below the gum line and can only be found with x-rays? Professional cleanings give us the opportunity to identify issues and address dental problems before they worsen.

Here are some common dental diseases and symptoms to look out for:

• 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.

You can prevent dental disease by:

• Brushing your pet's teeth daily 
• Using water additives
• Giving your pet 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.

Our schedule is filling up quickly, so be sure to give us a call at (816) 746-1333 to schedule your pet’s dental cleaning today!