What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
These can also be given to your pet. Some countries have seals of approval when it comes to dental health products, so see which ones apply to where you live.
Cat owners who struggle to brush their pets’ teeth may wish to add some oral rinse (one for cats, not for human use) to their water occasionally. This can help kill bacteria and prevent plaque buildup.
You can also add dental powder to your dog’s food. This powder can help prevent tartar and plaque buildup.
A fingertip brush can be used, but a regular toothbrush will work just as well. You can find a wide range of tasty toothpastes on the market (yes, they have food flavorings!).
Dogs are generally more permissive to this than cats, but they too can have their teeth brushed. Daily brushing would be ideal, but a few times a week will suffice.
For instance, the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval began in the US, but it’s now used in other countries across the world.
See also: How to protect your pets during winter
Animals can get really stressed in the presence of a vet, and this is particularly true when their mouths are being examined. Not to mention that it’s a lot safer for the vet to treat a sedated animal.
In addition to visits to the vet, what can you do at home to ensure your pet’s dental health is being taken care of? You can begin by brushing your pet’s teeth.
Image diagnosis methods such as X-rays are really helpful when dealing with animals’ oral health, as many pets don’t show visible signs of dental disease.
Sometimes it is not easy to spot signs of pain in animals. Be aware of any signs of irritability or lethargy, as well as loss of appetite. The signs can be subtle.
There are several factors associated with dental disease, namely the age of your pet. As previously mentioned, symptoms can appear as young as age three, but the older the animal, the more likely they are to suffer from dental disease.
There are many other oral health issues that can affect your pet, namely fractured teeth or jaw, mouth cysts or tumors, and palate defects (e.g. cleft palate), among others.
What your pet eats also plays a role in their oral health. For instance, dry food may help wipe away plaque from your pet’s teeth.
Yes, the breed of your pet also plays a role in how likely they are to have dental problems. Generally speaking, smaller dogs and flat-faced cats, such as Persians, tend to have more misaligned teeth, which may be harder to keep clean and therefore be more susceptible to dental disease.
Dental disease can be divided into four major stages. The first one is plaque accumulation. A sticky film of bacteria will cover the teeth. Symptoms include bad breath and/or stained teeth.
Gum separation, or periodontitis, is a severe stage of dental disease. The gums get inflamed and the bacteria enters the animal’s bloodstream, leading to a number of health issues.
The second stage of dental disease is tartar buildup. This is when the plaque hardens and forms tartar. While you won’t be able to remove tartar at home, a vet can do so with the appropriate tools.
Many dogs and cats get dental issues by the age of three. This is when the owner starts to notice bad breath, tartar buildup, and red/swollen gums.
Excessive drooling, loss of appetite, abnormal chewing, and, of course, bleeding may also indicate that your pet has oral health problems.
The third stage is gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis. If left untreated, tooth loss may occur.
Bacteria get trapped beneath the gum line and can enter the bloodstream. This can cause a number of problems and affect organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver.
If your pet shows signs of pain in the mouth, either to the touch, while eating, or anything else, then this is a cause for concern.
Bad breath is never a good sign. Many of us are familiar with “dog breath,” but this is not actually normal, and it usually indicates an oral health issue.
Good dental health is important not only for your pet’s mouth, but for their overall health. First, let’s take a look at some of the symptoms that may indicate oral health issues.
If your pet loses a tooth or more, then it’s likely that the structures that support the teeth allowed for this to happen. This can happen for a number of reasons, from trauma to infection, but tooth loss is nonetheless a symptom of poor dental health.
There are similar products for dogs, too, which can be added to their water. These are usually tasteless.
Dental disease occurs when plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up in your pet’s mouth.
We all want our pets to be healthy, and dental health is a very important element when it comes to this. But dental health goes beyond having healthy teeth. In fact, some oral conditions, if left untreated, can affect several organs and lead to serious health problems.
In this gallery, we look at the signs you should be aware of, how dental disease develops and evolves, and what you can do about. Click on—your pet will thank you!
Gums can separate at this stage. Unfortunately, when this happens the damage is irreversible.
Tips to improve your pet's dental health
Your furry friend's pearly whites matter too!
LIFESTYLE Animals
We all want our pets to be healthy, and dental health is a very important element when it comes to this. But dental health goes beyond having healthy teeth. In fact, some oral conditions, if left untreated, can affect several organs and lead to serious health problems.
In this gallery, we look at the signs you should be aware of, how dental disease develops and evolves, and what you can do about. Click on—your pet will thank you!