Welcome back to week two of dental health care.  Liberty Veterinary Hospital and I are glad you came back.

It is important to know that your pet’s dental health is as important as your own.  Our teeth are made of the same stuff as a human's. So plaque can build up on our enamel too, causing gingivitis just like a human's mouth.  But unlike humans, most pets don’t brush their own teeth twice a day. Can you imagine if you never brushed your teeth?

Plaque build up leads to tartar, which leads to changes in the bacteria in our mouth, causing damage to gums and teeth. If an infection occurs in the mouth, it can enter the bloodstream and lead to other health problems, including heart and kidney disease, as well as liver damage.  Most humans visit their dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning, and we pets need that too. A veterinary technician will remove tartar and plaque, followed by the veterinarian examining the freshly cleaned oral cavity for signs of more serious dental disease, and making recommendations about what treatment is needed next.

So watch out for bad breath, discolored teeth, decreased food consumption, loose teeth, or any pain your pet may show while eating or playing. These could be signs that your dog or cat needs some TLC for their teeth.  And if you need assistance in that area, LVH is the place to go!

Come back next week for tips on what you can do at home to keep your pet’s teeth clean between professional cleanings.  Until then, libertyvet.net is a great resource for more information on dental care for your pet.