Periodontal disease affects up to 80% of pets over the age of three. Dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth either. It can lead to more serious health problems including heart, lung and kidney disease, which makes it all the more important that you provide your pets with proper dental care from the start.

Bring your pet in for oral exams or dental cleanings. Regular oral exams are one of the best ways to prevent potential dental problems in your pet, and if you acclimate them to the procedure from a young age, they will be more receptive to it as they grow. Dental cleanings are also a great way to make sure your pet’s teeth are really healthy. Even a pet who’s teeth are brushed daily at home may not be able to eliminate all the plaque and tartar, so dental cleanings are critical to proper dental care.

You can teach a child to brush their teeth, but you will never be able to teach your pet. That’s why it’s your responsibility as a pet owner and our responsibility as animal health experts to make sure our animal companions have healthy teeth, gums, and lips.