Buzz
Did you know that gum disease is one of the most common issues affecting dogs and cats? And most dogs begin showing signs of it by just three years old? While this may sound concerning, there’s no need to panic just yet.
The silver lining is that with regular at-home dental care, you can significantly lower your pet’s risk of dental disease, veterinarians say—and it’s never too late to begin.
“Brushing teeth is one of the best ways to remove plaque and tartar buildup in pets, much like it is for people,” said Dr. Carly Fox, senior veterinarian at New York City’s Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, in an interview with HuffPost.
Preventing plaque buildup is critical to avoiding periodontal disease, Fox explained. Left unchecked, it can lead to problems like gum disease, tooth loss, decay, chronic pain, and bad breath. It may even contribute to more serious health concerns like heart or kidney disease, as Dr. Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian at mobile pet service The Vets, noted. This is because poor dental hygiene can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream from the mouth.
It's important to note, however, that brushing alone isn't enough. A balanced approach combining at-home care with regular veterinary checkups is the key to your pet's oral health, Fox stressed.
If your pet needs professional dental cleaning, make sure it's done under anesthesia, Fox advises. “Anesthesia-free cleanings don’t work and may actually be harmful to your pet.”
Below, Fox and Savageau suggest some great products to kickstart your pet's dental routine and offer advice on how to ease your pet into the process of brushing their teeth.
1. A soft and gentle finger brush for your pet’s teeth
2. A soft-bristled pet toothbrush, such as the Petsmile brush
3. Or choose a dual-sided toothbrush specifically crafted for cats and small dogs
4. An enzymatic toothpaste for dogs and cats with a delicious meaty flavor
5. Alternatively, try the popular Petsmile toothpaste
6. Dental hygiene chews designed for dogs
7. Greenies dental treats for dogs
8. And Greenies dental treats specially for cats
9. A specially formulated water additive for dogs and cats
10. Alternatively, a water additive with thousands of 5-star ratings
11. A powder that helps reduce plaque, which can be added to your pet's food
