Healthy Mouth, Healthy Pet
Why Dental Care is Critical for Your Dog and Cat
The Most Common Condition
Did you know that Periodontal Disease is the number one health issue affecting our pets? It often goes unnoticed by owners because pets rarely show obvious signs of dental pain.
Fact:
Up to 70-80% of dogs and cats have early evidence of periodontal disease by the time they are just 3 years old.
Periodontal disease is a progressive infection that destroys the structures supporting the tooth. 1. Plaque - A soft film of bacterial forms on the teeth daily. It can be brushed off easily. 2. Tartar - If not removed, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). This requires professional scaling to remove. 3. Damage - Bacteria creeps below the gumline, destroying bone and connective tissue. This causes pain and tooth loss.
More Than Just a Mouth Problem
The mouth is the gateway to the body. Chronic infection in the gums allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, traveling to vital organs.
Prevention: The Gold Standard
The key to management is stopping plaque before it becomes tartar.
Home Hygiene
Daily brushing is the gold standard of oral hygiene. It can reduce the frequency or even eliminate the need for periodic dental cleanings. Don’t worry if you can’t do it every day - brushing even several times a week can still be highly effective.
The Role of Chewing
Other activities that aid in maintaining oral health include chewing. Dental chews and specific diets provide mechanical scraping to help keep teeth clean.
Tip: Look for the VOHC Seal on products to ensure they are scientifically proven to reduce plaque and are safe for dogs and cats to chew.
Call Jackpot Veterinary Center to schedule your pet’s annual exam and cleaning or if you have concerns about your pet’s dental health.