Brush Up on Pet Dental Care

This is an excellent reminder for pet owners to brush their furry friends’ teeth at home, and ask veterinary clinics about teeth evaluations and professional cleanings. Why? Pets are susceptible to plaque, tartar, and periodontal disease — just like us. Brushing at home (with canine and feline toothbrushes and toothpaste) can minimize dental issues like pain, tooth loss, and bacterial infections. Not to mention stinky breath. Also remember to monitor pets for dental danger signs like swollen/red gums, and teeth that have turned yellowish or brownish.

It’s generally recommended to brush a pet’s teeth at a minimum of 1-3 times a week, but several veterinary institutions recommend doing so daily. It’s also recommended for pets to have professional dental cleanings once a year, because veterinary professionals perform ultrasonic dental cleanings while pets are under anesthesia. These include in-depth cleaning, polishing, and hand scaling above and below the gum line.