Oral health is commonly overlooked in our pets. Dental disease can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss and even can contribute to decreased diabetic control in diabetic patients, endocarditis (infection in the valve leaflets of the heart) as well as other systemic infections. Professional dental cleaning is important but home dental care is just as important to minimize progression of the disease. Ideally teeth should be brushed daily. Plaque replenishes itself every 24 hours so to prevent tartar formation and remove bacteria, teeth brushing should be performed daily. Some people have their pet’s teeth brushed when they go in for grooming and think this is adequate. Can you imagine what your mouth would be like if you only brushed your teeth when you got your hair cut?
Some breeds such schnauzers, poodles, cavalier spaniels, dachshunds, French bulldogs to name a few, are more prone to dental problems so home dental care is even more important.
All it takes is a tooth brush, pet toothpaste and consistency for you to improve your pet’s health and give him/her fresh, kissable breath. To learn how to brush your dog or cat's teeth watch this youtube video:
