You don’t have to brush your teeth – just the ones you want to keep. ~ Author Unknown      

I don’t know about the rest of the mother’s out there but I have found that getting my children to always brush their teeth is not an easy task.  I can distinctly remember my dentist encouraging me to start the process at a young age and that holds true with our pets as well.  We all brush our teeth daily, most of us multiple times a day, but how many of us pause to consider brushing our pet’s teeth?  How many of us even consider the health of our pet’s mouth beyond the food we feed them?  As a veterinarian, I am sure most of my clients cringe when I mention that their pets need to have daily teeth brushing .   I would not have my patient’s best interests in mind, however, if I didn’t let my clients know that one of the most common diseases animals encounter is periodontal disease, an infection of the gums.

The key to prevention is simple, inexpensive and may just improve your human-animal bond: regularly brush your pet’s teeth.  I encourage pet parents to consider tooth brushes and made- for -pets toothpaste – never use human toothpaste on pets! It is too harsh, will wear away the enamel too fast and can cause stomach upset when swallowed.   Plus, the y prefer poultry flavor to “minty fresh”.  In addition to brushing teeth, pet parents can also use dental treats and toys to keep a pet’s smile healthy. 

We have a saying here at our practice: “Good to Chew (Greenies, T/D, kong toys, specially treated rawhide chews), “Better to Rinse” (oral hygiene rinses, Breath-a-lyser, Dermapet gel), “Best to Brush”. 

Oral hygiene is an essential part of caring for your dog or cat (and yes, cats can be a little less cooperative!).  Many people think "doggie breath" is inevitable. In reality, halitosis is a sign of an oral problem. Dental disease causes discomfort and can lead to loss of appetite, weight loss, and systemic diseases. Prevention is the cornerstone of canine dental health. Daily home care is essential, but dogs and cats also need a professional cleaning about once a year (give or take depending on the dog or cat). February is a designated as Pet Dental Month but dental care is truly an ongoing endeavor at our hospital.  Regardless of the month, remember to keep those pearly whites sparkling.  It certainly will make you feel better when you or your children get the big, wet & sloppy kiss from your pet.