Ways to keep your pets smile bright and healthy
According to the American Veterinary dental society, moth than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by the time they are 3 years of age. Dental disease is an infection of the teeth and gums. Annual exams and recommended preventative dental hygiene is the best way to ensure your pets smile and dental health. Does your pet have any of the following signs of dental disease.
- Bad Breath or Halitosis – or bad breath – can be the first sign of a mouth problem and is caused by food particles caught between the teeth.
- Excessive drooling
- Gingivitis – is an inflammation of the gums caused mainly by disease-producing bacteria around the gum line. This is reversible with regular teeth cleanings.
- Mouth Tumors – appear as lumps in the gums. Some of these must be removed.
- Cysts under tongue
- Loose Teeth
- Periodontal Disease – is a painful infection between the tooth and the gum, this can cause tooth loss and spread infection to major organs in the body.
- Swollen Gums – develop when tartar builds up and food gets stuck in the teeth.
Important preventive steps for every pet owner
Annual Exams and Dentals:
It is important to make annual exams for your pets. Just like people, our pet’s health can change in a short time, and if your vet doesn’t have the opportunity to keep his eye on them, a very simple issue can quickly become a medical emergency. During every annual exam, our vet’s and technician will always check the teeth and gums for any changes.
At home maintenance:
Daily tooth brushing is the best way to prevent the recurrence of dental disease. Some diets are more beneficial than others. Feeding dry diets or dental chews can also slow down the progression of dental disease. Daily use of products that have been awarded the veterinary oral health council seal of product approval may help you use the most effective products to keep your pet’s teeth clean and the gum tissues and bone around the roots healthy.
At ARCHVET Animal hospital we are the first line of defense to dental disease. Schedule with us today by calling (408) 224-5700
