Periodontal disease affects up to 80% of pets over the age of three. Dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth either. It can lead to more serious health problems including heart, lung and kidney disease, which makes it all the more important that you provide your pets with proper dental care from the start.
Bring your pet in for oral exams or dental cleanings. Regular oral exams are one of the best ways to prevent potential dental problems in your pet, and if you acclimate them to the procedure from a young age, they will be more receptive to it as they grow. Dental cleanings are also a great way to make sure your pet’s teeth are really healthy. Even a pet who’s teeth are brushed daily at home may not be able to eliminate all the plaque and tartar, so dental cleanings are critical to proper dental care.
You can teach a child to brush their teeth, but you will never be able to teach your pet. That’s why it’s your responsibility as a pet owner and our responsibility as animal health experts to make sure our animal companions have healthy teeth, gums, and lips.
POSITIVES for receiving dental care:
- All dogs and cats need dental care throughout their lives.
- Regular pet dental care prevents pain, which is important, since dogs and cats are experts at hiding pain.
- Dental care protects not only a pet’s mouth from bacteria but the heart, kidneys, and liver as well.
- Dental care can protect your pet’s overall wellness and lead to a longer, more comfortable life.
NEGATIVES for not receiving dental care:
- Without regular dental care, all dogs and cats will develop dental disease – often as early as age 3.
- Dental disease hurts long before you notice discomfort because pets have no incentive to show pain.
- Bacteria growth leads to mouth pain and eating trouble, as well as heart, kidney, and liver problems in pets.
- Dental disease shortens your pet’s life.