Were you aware that the month of February is National Dental Pet Health Month?
Were you aware that the month of February is National Dental Pet Health Month? Dental health is an essential part of your pet’s overall health. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be inspected once a year as part of their annual physical by a veterinarian at Mt. Carmel Animal Hospital in Monkton, MD. In honor of National Dental Pet Health Month, we want to inform you of the importance of caring for your pet’s teeth year-round.
Dental Disease
Dental disease affects 80% of dogs over 3 years old and as many as 90% of cats over four years old. Also, dental disease can range from mild tartar and gingivitis to serious periodontitis. The supporting structures of their teeth can weaken or be lost. You typically will see apparent signs or symptoms of this silent disease once it’s in the more advanced stages. So, what are the symptoms of widespread dental disease for dogs and cats? They include halitosis (bad breath), trouble chewing, change in toy/food preference, excessive drooling, and bleeding gums. Is your pet demonstrating symptoms of dental disease? Our veterinary team in Monkton can complete an oral health evaluation, so schedule an appointment today!
Risks
When did you consider your dog or cat’s dental health last? What starts as a minor bad breath can quickly progress to full-blown dental disease if left untreated. Unfortunately, the bacteria in your pet’s mouth can enter their bloodstream and travel to your pet’s internal organs. When the disease progresses to this point, liver, heart, and kidney problems can occur. Most of us would rather skip looking inside our pet’s mouths to check what’s happening there. So, allow our veterinarians at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital to demonstrate the hidden dangers of pet dental disease and its treatment and prevention.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the disease’s severity. As part of our yearly wellness exams, our veterinarians will examine your pet’s teeth to check dental health. If mild plaque and tartar are seen, we will recommend a professional dental cleaning above and below the gum line to reverse the dental condition. This will include dental radiographs to determine the health status of the tooth roots and tissue below the gumline. Catching dental disease early can help prevent it from progressing and causing damage to the teeth and their supporting structures. However, if the teeth’ supporting structures are lost, that process cannot be reversed, and extractions will be necessary.
Prevention
Luckily, periodontal disease is almost entirely preventable. As part of your pet’s regular wellness program, we’ll look closely at her or his teeth, gums, and mouth and recommend further care. Just like humans, daily tooth brushing at home is the best way to keep plaque and tartar at bay in between cleanings. A soft-bristled brush is the way to go. Veterinary-specific toothbrushes are designed to fit your pet’s mouth better. Be sure to avoid using human toothpaste on pets, as many contain xylitol, a highly toxic sugar alternative for dogs and cats.
Furthermore, we offer a line of products for at-home dental care, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, water additives, and dental chews to promote dental health. Please talk to one of our Monkton veterinarians for product recommendations.
As a reminder, although it’s National Dental Pet Health Month, pet dental health is a year-round commitment!
HERE AT MOUNT CARMEL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WE’LL TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!