February - Dental Health Month for your pet :: Lincoln Square Veterinary Hospital, NYC

Signs of Periodontal Disease

All pets are at risk for developing dental problems. Once your pet displays any of the warning signs below, serious periodontal disease may be present.

Bad breath
Yellow-brown crust on teeth
Bleeding gums
Change of chewing or eating habits
Tooth loss
Change in behavior
Abnormal drooling

Pets Need Dental Care...

For most of us, caring for our teeth and gums has been part of our daily routine for as long as we can remember. Just like you, your pet needs dental care, too - regular, professional care from your veterinarian and effective daily home care from you to keep your pet's mouth healthy.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Plaque is a colorless film that contains large amounts of bacteria. If left unchecked, plaque builds up, creating infection, destroying gums and resulting in the loss of the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

Food and Dental Care

Brushing may be difficult, but using a pet food specially formulated to clean teeth, makes maintaining good oral hygiene as easy as feeding your pet. It also provides complete nutrition to support your pet's overall health. Veterinary professionals often recommend it as the first choice for daily nutrition. veterinary seal

Always look for the Veterinary Council®Seal of Acceptance on products for dental health.The seal indicates proven efficacy in controlling plaque and tartar. Regular use of products carrying the VOHC Seal will reduce the severity of periodontal disease in pets.

Steps to Better Oral Care

VISIT YOUR VETERINARIAN
Every regular exam in our clinic includes a thorough dental exam. If we find signs of disease, we will recommend a treatment plan. It is important for the overall health of your pet that we take care of any dental problems we find. We will also recommend a home care plan that is a key part of keeping your pet healthy.
START AN ORAL CARE ROUTINE AT HOME
Plaque should be removed from your pet's teeth every day before it mineralizes into tartar. Brushing your pet's teeth or feeding a dental food each day will control plaque buildup. Be sure the dental food you use offers total balanced nutrition for whole health. Ask us about the best methods of home care for your pet.
SCHEDULE REGULAR DENTAL CHECKUPS
We monitor the progress of your pet's preventive program, so regular dental checkups are essential, just as twice-a-year checkups are important for people. For pets who form tartar quickly or those with a history of oral problems, frequent examinations and cleanings may be advised.

Tips on Home Dental Care

Excellent oral health is maintained by daily oral hygiene, whether by brushing or by chewing.

Feed a dental food to ensure your pet receives good oral care every day.
Watch you pet for the warning signs of periodontal disease.
Inspect your pet's mouth regularly.
If you brush your pet's teeth, it's best to introduce the practice gradually and early; training may take several days or weeks.
Never brush your pet's teeth with toothpaste designed for people. It contains ingredients that may upset your pet's stomach.