Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month? Here are a few fun facts about your pet’s mouth!
- Dogs and cats have a full set of baby teeth that are replaced with adult teeth, just like humans!
- Dogs have 42 permanent adult teeth; cats have 30.
- Periodontal disease (teeth/gums) is the most common disease seen in adult dogs and cats.
- Providing your pet with good dental hygiene can add 2-4 years to its life!
- Contrary to what you’ve heard, a dog’s mouth is NOT cleaner than a human’s mouth.
- Chewing on ice cubes, rocks, antlers and bones can break your pet’s teeth. If your fingernail can't dent the toy's surface, the toy is likely too hard to be safe.
- Periodontal disease causes inflammation and infection that can damage other organs including the heart, liver, and kidneys.
- Small breed dogs are more likely to have dental issues. Why? Because their teeth are often a little too large for the size of their mouths.
- The most common sign of periodontal disease is bad breath, or halitosis (aka dog breath).
- Most pets will not stop eating even when severe periodontal disease is present, so that isn’t a reliable sign.
- Sneezing and nasal discharge can be a sign of a tooth infection.
- Proper dental cleaning requires general anesthesia in pets.
- For good dental health, your pet’s teeth should be brushed daily.
- It only takes 48 hours for plaque (removable with toothbrush) to calcify and turn into tartar (which does not come off with brushing).
- Approximately 80% of dogs and cats will have some form of dental disease by age three.
- Veterinary dentists perform many of the same procedures as human dentists, including root canals and crowns!
Take advantage of National Pet Dental Health Month this February by bringing your dog or cat in for that dental work you have been putting off! All patients will receive 20% off of the dental cleaning, anesthesia, and monitoring portions of the procedure!
