Contributed by Jin Park, 9 to 5 Pets
Did you know February is National Pet Dental Health Month? Recently, my dog went through some troubling dental issues so I want to take this opportunity to shed light on the importance of pet oral health. A clean and healthy mouth is important to the overall health, happiness, and well-being of your pet. If left untreated, plaque and tartar can build and progress to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can lead to secondary illnesses that can affect internal organs and joints.
The most important step to keeping a healthy mouth is daily teeth brushing. 9 to 5 Pets Blog has shared this AVMA video on a previous post that demonstrates easy step-by-step instructions on how to teach your pet to accept daily teeth brushing. I have opted for dental wipes for Maxwell because he has a tiny mouth and I have found it easier to use the wipes instead of a toothbrush. Dental wipes have similar benefits as teeth brushing to keep the gum lines and teeth healthy. Maxwell has been enjoying TrueBlue Pet Products Dental Swipes which is formulated with baking soda and peppermint to fight plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease.
Lastly, choosing a vet that is fully capable of examining your pet’s oral health is important. A dental checkup and cleaning should include all the necessary steps to assess the teeth externally and internally. Maxwell’s vet failed to take x-rays to examine the health of the entire mouth which I believe led to his tooth abscess. Always do your research, ask for recommendations from trusted sources, and ask questions at the vet to avoid unnecessary negligence.