{"id":178,"date":"2019-02-20T14:25:59","date_gmt":"2019-02-20T19:25:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.allcreaturesvetbrooklyn.com\/blog\/?p=178"},"modified":"2021-08-06T15:49:39","modified_gmt":"2021-08-06T19:49:39","slug":"preventing-dental-disease-in-pets-an-at-home-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allcreaturesvetbrooklyn.com\/blog\/preventing-dental-disease-in-pets-an-at-home-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Preventing Dental Disease in Pets: An At Home Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you\u2019ve snuggled up on the couch with your pet recently and noticed that their breath was \u2013 ahem \u2013 less than fresh, it may be time to schedule a pet dental exam. Bad breath is one of the signs of dental disease in pets, a common, but preventable problem.
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Dental disease in pets is so common, in fact, that by the time pets are 4 years of age, over 85% of them have some form of periodontal disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, pets are very good at hiding signs of pain and discomfort from even their closest people. And make no mistake \u2013 dental disease is<\/em> painful for your pet; aside from bad breath, dental disease in pets can cause swollen, bleeding gums, diseased and infected teeth, tooth loss or fracture, and even systemic disease when bacteria from the mouth enter your pet\u2019s bloodstream.
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That\u2019s why All Creatures Veterinary Hospital of Brooklyn<\/a>  believes in prevention<\/a>. Luckily, dental disease can be controlled and even prevented with a team approach, which includes regular preventive dental exams, regular professional dental cleanings, and regular at home care – including daily tooth brushing.
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Here, we\u2019ll show you how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Dental Disease in Pets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First things first. What, exactly, is periodontal disease in pets? It starts when bacteria in the mouth form plaque, which sticks to the teeth. Within days, minerals in the saliva cause the plaque to harden into tartar, and then dental calculus. This causes gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, the bacteria then work their way under the gumline and begin to destroy the underlying tooth supporting structures, including gums, the tooth root, and even the bone below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pet Dental Basics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Think about how much plaque and tartar would build up on your teeth if you never brushed them or saw the dentist. We recommend you start with a clean slate, so to speak, so call us<\/a> to schedule an oral evaluation<\/a> in our office. At this exam, we can ensure your pet\u2019s mouth and teeth are healthy, that there isn\u2019t underlying disease causing loose or fractured teeth.  If your pet needs professional oral care, we can schedule for a professional dentistry. We are able to clean away all that plaque and tartar buildup with ultrasonic scaling and perform any procedures necessary to give your pet a clean, healthy, happy mouth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brushing Your Pet\u2019s Teeth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once your pet\u2019s mouth is clean, let us help you start a daily toothbrushing plan. Did you just roll your eyes, giggle, or sigh? Bear with us! Brushing your pet\u2019s teeth regularly doesn\u2019t have to be impossible, though we recognize it takes time, patience, and practice. To help you, we are offering a free pet toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as helpful videos to get you started off on the right foot.
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It\u2019s true that starting to brush your pet\u2019s teeth when they are young can go a long way toward making this task easier. But even older animals can learn to tolerate this gentle and daily attention. Stick with it, and contact us if you need assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to brush your dog’s teeth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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