Dogs and cats suffer from many of the same oral health problems affecting people. This is why pets need routine professional and home dental care. An example of one such common dental health problem is periodontal disease. Periodontal refers to the soft and bony tissues surrounding and securing the teeth into the jaw. Most older pets suffer from some degree of periodontal disease. Bad breath is not a disease in and of itself, it is often a symptom of this underlying problem (periodontal disease). Left unchecked this can lead to not only the loss of teeth but also the spread of infection throughout your pet’s body. Furthermore harmful bacterial toxins associated with this disease can damage your pet’s vital organs and possibly shortening its life expectancy.

What can I do to help my pet?

There is plenty you can do to help prevent dental disease and its related health problems in your pet. Let us help you to begin on the road to better dental and physical health. Starting with a dental exam we will advise and instruct you on the best dental home care program for your pet. Daily teeth brushing is best and is easier than you might expect to train and accomplish. There are also many other dental care products in the form of rinses, gels, chews, and special diets. Regular dental exams are the key part of an effective preventive care program. Early detection and any indicated treatments of periodontal disease are very important to achieving successful management. There are many other dental conditions which may affect our pets. Make sure your pet receives regular physical examinations by your veterinarian. If there is any question about treatment options for any diseases of the mouth, give us a call.