Why Dental Health in Pets is Important
Your pets can’t take care of their teeth as easily as humans, so it’s up to you to stay on top of their dental hygiene. Since they don’t have regular dental visits or are brushing their teeth every night before bed, tartar and plaque can build up on their teeth very quickly.
The main concern in lack of dental hygiene in pets is the risk of them getting periodontal disease, a serious gum infection caused by build-up of plaque and tartar on their teeth. If left untreated it can lead to bone and tooth loss as well as other serious health problems if it enters the bloodstream.
What You Can Do
Above all else, make sure you listen to your vet about your pet’s dental health during their annual checkups. If there are any concerns, your vet might recommend a dental, a sedated procedure where they clean your pet’s teeth and remove any teeth if medically necessary. Even if you’re vigilant about keeping your pet’s teeth healthy, they might need a dental at some point in their lives as a part of routine care.
Additionally, it is recommended to purchase a pet-friendly toothpaste (human toothpaste can have not-pet-friendly ingredients) and brush their teeth once a week using a regular toothbrush. Make sure to reward them after with lots of praise and a treat!
Resources
For more information about the risks of poor dental health in pets and how to prevent them, visit these resources: