National Dental Health Month
My baby boy Bowser, showing off his big mouth! (and teeth!)
February is National Dental Health month!
Oral Health is not just about teeth! When dental disease is present, the heart, kidneys and intestinal tract can also be at risk. The tartar and infected areas of the mouth contain bacteria that can spread to other parts of the body. Luckily, we can prevent most serious dental disease by brushing our animals’ teeth regularly and providing chew toys. In addition to satisfying our dogs instinct to chew, chew toys help strengthen teeth, massage gums and scrape off soft tartar.
Many animals show signs of dental disease early in life. Some common signs of a problem are:
-Bad Breath
-Tartar
-Excessive drooling
-Inflamed Gums
-Missing/Broken teeth
-Reluctance to play with toys or eat
Brushing is best! Most vets would like to see us brush our pets teeth twice a week. But, recognizing that such frequent brushing is unlikely, there are more options to help prevent and reduce dental disease. What Can You Do:
-Tooth Brushing (see my next blog for detailed information about how to brush your pets teeth!)
-Bones
-Chew Toys (Like FIDO dental chews)
-Dental Paste (Like PetzLife Oral Gel)
-Dental Chews (Like Greenies and Z-Ridge Dental Bones)
With some preventative maintenance and care, a lot of dental disease can be avoided. Look for my next blog, “All About Brushing…Teeth!” for more information!
Happy Dental Health Month!
