Tips to keep your Pet's teeth healthy

Bad breath, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), is among the first signs of dental disease in Pets. During February, national Pet dental health month, Banfield, The Pet Hospital® urges Pet owners to take preventive measures to help improve and maintain the health of their Pets’ teeth and gums.

In honor of February Pet dental health month, Dr. Nancy Zimmerman, director of medical support at Banfield, would like to offer the following “dental health” tips to Pet owners seeking to build a longstanding, healthy relationship with their Pet.

Tips for keeping your Pet’s teeth and gums healthy:

• Feed your Pet a high-quality diet that promotes dental health. Select food made by companies known for staying current on the latest nutritional research. Many of the reputable Pet food companies have formulated diets that aid in the control of tartar and calculus. Some examples include Royal Canin’s dental diets and Hill’s™ Science Diet t/d. Your Banfield veterinarian can recommend the best Pet food diet for your Pet based on several factors, including age, weight, health concerns and lifestyle.

• Cats and dogs require dental exams and benefit from professional cleanings to maintain their overall health. If dental care is neglected, harmful bacteria can enter your Pet's bloodstream and cause various health problems, such as heart disease and kidney infections. Additionally, dental disease is very painful and can cause great discomfort.

• Dental examinations are recommended every six months, depending on your Pet’s needs. Your veterinarian can examine your Pet and discuss the recommended interval for professional dental cleanings. If you notice bad breath, a decreased appetite, weight loss, pain when chewing, blood on your dog’s chew toys or bones, nasal discharge, red/swollen gums, or any other signs of dental disease between recommended cleanings, bring your Pet in for an examination immediately.

• Small canine breeds, as well as most felines, are at an increased risk of having dental problems and gum infections. While these problems are often caused by overcrowding of the teeth, retention of “baby teeth” or genetic predisposition to gum disease, they are often aggravated by poor dental care.

• Tartar and dental calculus lead to tooth and gum decay. If tartar (the non-visible film on teeth) and dental calculus (the visible mineral deposits) are not routinely cleaned from Pets' teeth, they can cause gums to become red, inflamed, infected and painful (gingivitis). Prolonged tartar, dental calculus and gingivitis can also cause bad breath (halitosis), periodontal disease, dental infections and eventually, tooth loss.

• Brush your Pet's teeth regularly. By introducing the habit early in life, brushing can become an enjoyable part of your Pet's healthcare routine. Your veterinarian can recommend toothbrushes and toothpastes that are created especially for Pets. The appropriate use of chew toys can also be an effective way to control tartar. Ask your Banfield veterinarian to recommend specific chew toys for your Pet.

“To keep your Pet’s teeth and gums as healthy as possible, ensure that you brush his or her teeth at least once per week (ideally, daily), and visit a veterinarian for regular dental cleanings at a frequency tailored to your Pet’s needs,” Dr. Zimmerman says.