{"id":1025,"date":"2018-01-29T10:44:48","date_gmt":"2018-01-29T17:44:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/feltonveterinaryhospital.com\/?p=1025"},"modified":"2022-08-08T12:19:42","modified_gmt":"2022-08-08T19:19:42","slug":"an-ounce-of-prevention-the-basics-of-pet-dental-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.feltonveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/an-ounce-of-prevention-the-basics-of-pet-dental-care\/","title":{"rendered":"An Ounce of Prevention: The Basics of Pet Dental Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Most of us are not exactly excited about looking into our pet\u2019s mouths (I only see 2 teeth – the fangs!). But when it comes to pet dental care, the saying \u201can ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure\u201d is absolutely true. It has been reported that by 3 years of age, 85% of cats and dogs have some form of dental disease. <\/span>Felton Veterinary Hospital<\/span><\/a> is here to give you the basics of this common but preventable problem. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, the true nitty-gritty. You brush your teeth twice a day (<\/span>right?) <\/span><\/i>and still visit your dentist for a cleaning twice a year. Imagine what your mouth would feel like if you never brushed or saw the dentist! It\u2019s true that our pets\u2019 teeth don\u2019t have to look picture-perfect, but keeping their teeth and gums clean and healthy can be one of the most beneficial things you can do as a pet owner to keep them happy and healthy for longer. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Periodontal Disease? <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in the mouth form plaque, which, left unchecked, accumulates along the gum line and then causes inflammation called gingivitis. Plaque hardens into tartar along the gum line, but the real problems start when bacteria travel below the gum line. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When that occurs, inflammation and infection can affect the internal structures of the tooth, root, and even the bone beneath. Periodontal disease in its more severe stages can cause tooth fracture or loss. Unfortunately if periodontal disease is left untreated, bacteria can also find its way into the pet\u2019s blood stream and can affect the heart, liver and kidneys, while making diseases such as diabetes harder to manage. Sadly, periodontal disease has been linked to a shorter life span for our pets. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the Signs of Periodontal Disease? <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like people, pets as individuals have different signs of disease based on age, temperament, breed, and overall general health. Although you may hear it often, a pet has to have extreme dental disease in order to refuse to eat. It\u2019s just not that common! Earlier and more common signs of periodontal disease include: <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n