Your Pets Oral Health

What are oral health conditions?

It can be difficult to keep your pet’s teeth clean, so oral health problems are very common.

In fact, research shows that at around the age of 2 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some sign of dental disease. Problems usually start with a buildup of sticky plaque that hardens to form tarter. If not removed, this can lead to gingivitis, a painful condition of inflamed gums, and eventually periodontal disease my develop. Pets may lose teeth and be prone to infections that may effect other organs in the body.

What causes oral health conditions?

It’s surprisingly easy to keep your pet’s teeth and gums clean and healthy. The first step is to ask your veterinarian about a professional prophylaxis to clean the teeth. After that, you should feed a special dry pet food made in larger pieces (kibbles) that wipe the teeth clean as your pet eats them. Also start brushing your pet’s teeth regularly. We can advise you on how to do this.

There are some factors that can contribute to oral health problems. These include:
Age – Dental disease is more common in older pets.
Breed – Small dogs are more likely to have overcrowded or misaligned teeth that are difficult to keep clean, making them more prone to dental disease.
Food – Feeding sticky foods can lead to a more rapid buildup of plaque

Does my pet have oral health problems
If your pet has oral health problems, the first thing you’ll notice is bad breath. Common signs include:

Important Note Even if your pet isn’t showing signs of oral health problems, it’s worth asking us for a dental checkup and advice on how to clean your pet’s teeth to prevent problems in the future.