You bet it is! In fact, your pet’s oral health is very similar to your own. Imagine not brushing your teeth for a day, a week, or even a year. That’s a lot of bacteria! According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease by age three, with periodontal disease being the most common. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that spreads, unseen, beneath the gum line. As this disease progresses it destroys the bone around the tooth roots as well as gum tissue, causing painful teeth for your pet. Common indications of periodontal disease may include the following:

  • Bad breath
  • Broken or loose teeth
  • Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
  • Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
  • Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
  • Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
  • Pain in or around the mouth
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth

While periodontal disease is irreversible, the good news is it’s preventable through home dental care and regular oral health exams by your veterinarian. Brushing your pet’s teeth at home is the first (and best) step to help prevent calculus and plaque buildup. Combine that with regular oral exams and treatment plans as recommended by your veterinarian and you’re on the right path to prevention!

Let us help! Call us at 414-301-9113 to schedule your pet’s oral health exam today to get started on protecting your pet’s teeth. We promise your pet will thank you! And what better time? National Pet Dental Month is coming up soon in February!