Dental Care for Pets

Dental care for pets is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of pet health care. Dental disease is a common problem for pets, with the majority of pets over the age of five suffering from some form of dental disease. Dental disease does not just affect the mouth of a pet. Left untreated, it can also lead to more serious health problems, including heart, lung, and kidney disease. It is therefore very important for pet owners to make sure that their pets receive proper dental care.

Prevention is the key to helping pets maintain good oral health. Fortunately, proper oral health care can significantly reduce or even eliminate dental disease. There are several ways to help to keep a pet's teeth healthy.

Brushing

Pet owners should brush their pet's teeth on a regular basis. When brushing your pet's teeth, always use toothpaste that is made specifically for dogs and cats. There are also specialized brushes available to make brushing a pet's teeth easier.

Dental Treats

There are a number of treats and chewing toys that are specifically designed to help keep a pet's teeth and gums healthy. Some are available as edible treats and others are toys that are made to help "clean" the teeth while a pet is chewing on and playing with them.

Diet

There are many dry pet foods available that are formulated to help pet's oral health. Many of these foods have a harder consistency and contain ingredients that help reduce the accumulation of plaque.

There are also oral rinses available that may be used on pets that will not allow brushing. Some pet owners choose to have sealants applied to their pets' teeth. Sealants are are wax-like products that are applied to the teeth by a veterinarian, that help to prevent plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and other oral diseases.

In addition, general and routine veterinary care for a pet's mouth are an important part of any dental health program.

Additional Resources

• MedlinePlus
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
• United States Department of Agriculture
• PetMD

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