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Toothaches, Bad Breath Are Not Reserved For Humans Alone

Pets Can Suffer, Too It creeps in slowly and unseen. What starts out as all-familiar, sweet puppy breath evolves into something smelly and foul. It’s not just bad breath your pet is puffing all over you. It’s gum disease.

Pets Benefit From Dental Checkups It’s estimated that more than 80 percent of pets in the U.S. experience gum disease by age 3. Left untreated, abscesses and plaque buildup can turn into a costly visit to the veterinarian. February is National Pet Dental Month. It’s good time to schedule a routine exam and ask all those questions about grooming and food choices for your pet. Vets also will often discount dental cleanups in February to encourage pet owners to make that appointment. More Than Just A Toothache Periodontal disease (also called gum disease) is the primary cause of tooth loss in pets. It’s caused by the buildup of food, plaque, and tartar in the spaces between the gum and the lower part of the tooth. Often, the accumulation leads to infection and inflammation and if left untreated, pets can lose the affected teeth. Pet owners can spare themselves the tremendous costs of dental surgery, if they take a few preventative measures at home. Studies have shown that with regular scrubbing, incidents of periodontal disease can be reduced significantly. Open Wide! Groomers and vets alike recommend a regular tooth brushing for all of your four-legged family members. Studies have shown that with regular scrubbing, incidents of periodontal disease can be reduced significantly. The earlier you begin a dental routine in your pet’s life, the easier the ritual will become over time. Ask a professional for tips and the right tools. Do some research online or ask your vet for help in how to best clean your pet’s teeth at home. You will need a few essential things before you get started: Thimble-style dental scrubber or pet toothbrush Pet toothpaste (Toothpaste for humans is harmful to pets as it contains artificial sweeteners which are toxic to dogs and cats) Old towels (Wrap your cat securely to prevent scratching) Patience and time Prevent Tooth Decay Experts recommend a diet of crunchy food for both dogs and cats to prevent the buildup of soft foods in the gum line. Ask your vet about the proper types of food recommended for your pet’s breed. Dogs, with supervision, can benefit from chewy-style treats, which help clean food buildup from their teeth. Promote a healthy mouth for your pet and avoid costly treatments that both you and your pet will suffer through. Oral treatments are rising: VPI Pet Insurance policyholders filed more than $5.1 million in claims for routine dental care in 2007. More than 1,000 VPI policyholders filed claims for tooth abscess in 2007. Return to the VPI Pet HealthZone>>

Suggested Reading Dog And Cat Dental Care An in-depth look at dental care from a veterinarian's perspective. Stress-Free Visits to the Vet Make veterinary experiences better for you and your pet. Sam's Story Sam's dental cleaning wasn't so routine when his veterinarian discovered a malignant tumor beneath his tongue. Read More >>