National Pet Dental Health Month 2023

February is Pet Dental Health Month, which serves as a reminder that our furry friends don't always have a toothbrush on them; their teeth occasionally require a little extra care. Let's remember our pets by tenderly taking care of their teeth, whether they are a dog, cat, rabbit, or another species. Animals need dental exams just as much as humans do, and taking care of their oral health greatly reduces the risk of future oral health issues.

If left untreated, oral diseases could result in red gums, foul breath, or yellow teeth, which would lower your pet's quality of life-and nobody wants that! Let's give our pets' teeth the same priority we give their tummies during National Pet Dental Health Month.

Pet Dental Health Preventive Care

Your pet's oral health, which can either cause or be affected by other health conditions, has a significant impact on its overall health. To spot any issues early on and to maintain your pet's oral health, your veterinarian should check your pet's teeth and gums at least once a year.

If you notice any of the following issues, have your pet's teeth examined as soon as possible:

• Bad breath
• Broken or loose teeth
• Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Teeth having tartar
• Salivation, abnormal chewing or dropping food
• Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
• Pain in or around the mouth
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Swollen mouth

When they have dental issues, some animals get irritable, so any changes in your pet's behavior should trigger a visit to the vet.

Causes of pet dental problems

Pets can have many of the same dental issues as people, even though they are less likely to get cavities than people, they can develop the following conditions:

• Broken teeth and roots
• Periodontal disease
• Abscesses or infected teeth
• Cysts or tumors in the mouth
• Misalignment of the teeth and bite
• Broken (fractured) jaw
• Palate defects (such as cleft palate)

The most prevalent dental ailment in dogs and cats is periodontal disease, which is most likely present in your pet by the time it is 3 years old and will likely deteriorate as your pet ages if adequate preventive measures are not done.

Given that advanced periodontal disease can create serious issues and excruciating pain for your pet, early detection and treatment are essential. Your pet's mouth is not the only area affected by periodontal disease. Kidney, liver, and heart muscle alterations are further health issues linked to periodontal disease.

Treatment and prevention for periodontal disease

A thorough dental cleaning is required to treat periodontal disease, and x-rays may be required to assess the disease's severity. Based on the overall dental health of your pet, your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary dentist can provide the best recommendation for your pet.

The most prevalent oral disease in pets can be avoided by routinely cleaning the tartar and dental plaque that develop on uncared-for teeth. The most effective thing you can do to maintain your pet's teeth healthy in between dental cleanings is to regularly brush their teeth. Doing so may lessen or even eliminate the need for your veterinarian to perform routine dental cleanings on your pet. While brushing every day is ideal, it's not always practicable, so using it a few times a week can still be beneficial.

Many pet products are advertised with the claims of effective dental care. If you're thinking about giving your pet any dental-specific meals, treats, or products, discuss them with your veterinarian and get their advice.

Bottom line:

Do not ignore your pet's foul breath! That smell could be a warning sign for a significant health issue that could harm your pet's internal organs in addition to its teeth and gums.

This National Pet Dental Health Month, take a step towards improving your pet's dental health. Any oral discomfort will be stressing your pet a lot. Your pet will be a lot happier and have a higher quality of life if you have their teeth examined and fixed if necessary.