Most Americans remember to brush their teeth regularly. Their pets’ pearly whites, however, don’t always get the same kind of attention. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so why not schedule a check up for both of you?

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, by the age of two, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of periodontal disease, gum disease that can be quite serious if left untreated. Periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in dogs and cats, often leading to painful infections of the mouth that can spread and become severe conditions. Untreated, periodontal disease leads to destruction of the bone surrounding the teeth, and ultimately, tooth loss. Kidney, heart, and liver disease and other life threatening disorders have also been linked to periodontal infections.

Regular dental care is as important for dogs and cats as it is for humans, if not more so. A majority of dogs and cats do not get the daily oral care, like brushing and flossing, that humans do, making the risk for dental disease higher. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is by regularly brushing your pet's teeth and by visiting with your veterinarian about other precautions an owner can take to protect their pet’s teeth.

If your pet shows signs of dental disease (bad breath, drooling, difficulty chewing, red or swollen gums) a visit to your veterinarian is overdue. Early intervention through regular dental check-ups is better than salvage procedures for advanced periodontal disease. If signs of gingivitis or tartar accumulation are present during the dental exam, your veterinarian will probably recommend a professional cleaning in order to stop the progress of periodontal disease. One of the procedures commonly performed is dental scaling and polishing. This involves the careful cleaning of all surfaces of the tooth including the area below the gum line to remove the accumulation of tartar and reverse the early disease changes before they progress to periodontal disease.

Your pet needs and deserves good dental care. Regular, professional care from your veterinarian, as well as care at home from you, is imperative to your pet’s dental health. PurinaCare Plus Preventive Care provides a benefit for annual dental scaling and polishing, just another excellent way to keep your pet healthy and help you provide them with a lifetime of care.

-- Dr. Bill Craig --