Dental Health and Your Pets

Here at our Midtown Manhattan dental office, we strongly emphasize the importance of dental health. Our dentists encourage patients to maintain their well-being with the promotion of good dental hygiene practices. While dental care highly contributes to the overall wellness of our patients, did you know the same can be said about pets.

Studies show that pets, such as dogs and cats, can suffer from oral health problems as early as three years of age. Although one may think tooth decay and gingivitis are only present in humans, household pets may be having similar troubles. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 70 percent of cats and 80 percent of dogs aged three years or older suffer from periodontal disease.

Since animals are unable to brush their own teeth, bacteria accumulates after every meal, which can harden into plaque and push away the gum line. In turn, bacterial infections can occur, which may ultimately lead to the loss of teeth. Furthermore, if an infection enters the bloodstream, vital organs, such as the heart, can be negatively affected.

Just like scheduling a regular dental check-up for yourself, it is recommended that you be proactive, and do the same for your cat or dog. You may think that your pet is safe from the dangers of poor oral care, but by the simple employment of regular brushing and annual dental care, you can ensure the health of a beloved family friend!