Everyone knows daily home dental care is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing the need for expensive and painful procedures at their dentist's office. Now imagine the consequences if you never brushed your teeth! Unfortunately, that is the reality for many pets.

A majority (over 70%) of our pets suffer from poor dental health by age three. Genetic predisposition for certain breeds combined with lack of home dental care lead to tartar buildup, painful gingivitis, and eventually tooth decay and loss. Some unfortunate individuals suffer more serious consequences of poor dental health such as tooth root abscesses or damage to the heart, liver, or kidneys.

The most common signs of poor dental health include discoloration to the teeth, reddened or bleeding gums, bad breath, a reluctance to chew on hard objects, broken or missing teeth, and decreased appetite or lethargy. Have you noticed any of these symptoms in your pet?

This doesn't have to happen to your pet! Whether your pet is a puppy or kitten with sparkling white teeth or a senior citizen with a less-than-cosmetic smile, the staff at Chambers Creek Veterinary Hospital can help your pet attain and maintain proper dental health.

Step One: Schedule an examination with one of our doctors at least annually. Don't wait until your pet's next annual exam is due if you suspect problems with their teeth.

Step Two: Formulate a home dental care plan with the doctor. Each pet has different health needs and an individual personality, so your pet's plan can vary. It may include daily brushing, specialized dental treats, and/or a specialized dental diet. We carry a variety of dental health products and would be happy to demonstrate their use and provide you with a free sample at your request.

Step Three: Schedule a dental cleaning as recommended by the doctor. Once tartar has taken hold, it cannot be removed by brushing your pet's teeth or offering dental treats. It can only be removed via specialized dental equipment that scale and polish your pet's teeth  - just like at your dentist's office. Some people would prefer to wait until their pet shows more advanced signs of dental disease, thinking a "routine cleaning" is unnecessary. Unfortunately this is a painful experience for your pet, and waiting may result in irreparable tooth damage/loss, resulting in a lengthier and more expensive dental procedure down the road. Once the tartar has been removed, you can help prevent its return with regular home dental care as recommended by the doctor.

Step Four: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups. We recommend annual examinations with a doctor for most patients, and semi-annual examinations for senior pets or pets with certain health problems. Please check with the doctor and ask for their recommendation in when you and your pet should schedule your next visit. 

For more information about tartar prevention diets, brushing your pet's teeth, and appropriate chew items and treats, please continue reading articles from the Dental Page menu on the left.