The dental health of our pets is something that is all too often overlooked. The truth is, proper dental care is just as important for dogs and cats as it is for humans.

One sign that your pet needs to have their teeth cleaned is bad breath. Bad breath is caused by bacteria in the gums and on the teeth. These bacteria build colonies which mix with saliva and blood cells to form plaque. When ignored, plaque can lead to disease of both the gums and teeth. It can also become mineralized and harden into tartar which can cause erosion of tissues. Not only can poor dental health cause your dog or cat to have terrible breath, but it can cause a host of health problems.

If your pet’s teeth are not cleaned and cared for regularly, it can lead to gum disease. More serious gum disease can result in tooth and bone loss. It can also cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and can even affect some of the major organs of the body, including the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys! You can see now how important pet dental health is to your pet’s longevity and well being!

It is important to clean your pet’s teeth regularly. You can purchase a special toothbrush from the local pet store, as well as pet teeth cleaning products. There are many different kinds of products such as chew toys, toothpaste, and pet dental rinses. I recently came across a dental spray that is supposed to aid in removing plaque and tartar called Plaque Attack although I don’t know if it is effective or not. Check with your veterinarian to find out which products they feel are most appropriate. It is also extremely important to have the teeth of your dog or cat checked yearly by a veterinarian, as well as having their teeth professionally cleaned.