Healthy Smiles, Happy Pets: Celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month!

🦷🐾 February is National Pet Dental Health Month, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to raise awareness about the importance of dental care for pets.

Poor dental health can lead to bad breath, gum disease, tooth loss, and even systemic infections affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy.

Here are some key steps to help slow periodontal disease in pets and improve their overall health and longevity:

1. Brush Their Teeth Regularly 🪥

• Use a pet-safe toothbrush and VOHC-approved  (Veterinary Oral Health Council at VOHC.org) enzymatic toothpaste (never human toothpaste!).

• Start slow and make it a positive experience with treats or praise.

• Brushing daily is ideal, but even a few times a week can help.
   

2. Provide Dental Chews & Toys 🦴

• Choose VOHC-approved dental chews.

• Hard chews like rawhide alternatives, rubber toys, or dental sticks help remove plaque.

• Avoid very hard chews like antlers or bones that could fracture teeth.
   

3. Feed a Dental-Friendly Diet 🍖

• Some prescription dental diets (like Hill’s T/D, Hill's Oral Care or Royal Canin Dental) help reduce plaque buildup.

• Kibble with a specific texture can provide mechanical cleaning.
   

4. Use Dental Water Additives, Sprays & Gels 💧

• Many VOHC-approved water additives help reduce bacteria.

• Oral gels and sprays with antimicrobial properties can aid gum health.
   

5. Schedule Regular Vet Dental Checkups 🏥

• Annual or bi-annual dental exams help catch issues early.

• Professional cleanings under anesthesia may be necessary to remove tartar below the gum line.

Signs of Dental Disease to Watch For:
✔️ Bad breath (halitosis)
✔️ Red or swollen gums
✔️ Yellow or brown tartar buildup
✔️ Difficulty eating or chewing
✔️ Drooling excessively
✔️ Pawing at the mouth

Taking these steps can prevent painful dental diseases and keep your pet happy and healthy for years! 😺🐶💙 Prevention is key to avoid painful cleanings and extractions in the future for your pet. A routine dental cleaning under anesthesia can last 30-60minutes. This procedure includes dental radiographs to also catch disease that could be occurring below the gumline. An oral exam is performed at every visit here at Animal Hospital of New Albany and the veterinarians here will make recommendations based on what is best for your pet. Please call the clinic today to schedule an exam or schedule a drop off and dental cleaning at your earliest convenience.