In response to recent COVID-19 concerns, we are writing to assure our clients that we are taking recommended precautions.

Close
×

Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Round dog and cat logo

US

(509) 837-4166

sunnysidedvm@gmail.com

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • What To Expect
    • Virtual Office Tour
    • Helpful Website Links
    • Payment Options
  • Forms
  • About Us
    • Services
      • Medicine
      • Surgery
      • Dentistry
    • Meet Our Team
  • Emergencies
  • Pet Memorials
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Exotics
        • Amphibians
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Small Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
        • Domesticated Animals
          • Prairie Dogs
        • Pocket Pets
          • Chinchillas
          • Guinea Pigs
          • Hamsters
          • Hedgehogs
          • Rats
      • Livestock
        • Cows
        • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
        • Goats
        • Pigs
        • Poultry
        • Sheep
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Children and Pets
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Pet Dangers
      • Behavior & Training
      • Newsletter Archive
        • Fun with Pets
        • Unbelievable Pets
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • How Healthy Are Your Pet's Teeth?

How Healthy Are Your Pet's Teeth?

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Dog having his teeth brushed

Pet Oral Health Myths and Facts for Pet Dental Health Month

National Pet Dental Health Month, observed every February, is the perfect time to focus on your pet's dental needs. Unfortunately, tooth and gum issues aren't always easy to spot but can cause pain and health problems for pets. Can you separate myth from fact when it comes to your furry friend's oral health?

Myth or Fact: Pets Need to Brush Their Teeth

Fact. Brushing helps your pet's teeth remain strong and healthy. Regular brushing sessions remove plaque, a clear, sticky film that contains bacteria. Plaque can be a factor in infections, abscesses, gum disease, and bad breath. If plaque isn't removed, it soon becomes a hard deposit called tartar. Tartar irritates the gums, increasing your pet's gum disease risk. The deposit usually forms at the base of teeth first and makes your dog or cat's teeth look brown or yellow.

Brushing your pet's teeth gets rid of plaque and stops it from ever becoming tartar. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends brushing your pet's teeth at least several times per week, although daily brushing is best.

You only need to use a small amount of pet-approved toothpaste when cleaning your pet's teeth with a pet toothbrush or a finger brush. Although it may be tempting to squirt your toothpaste on your pet's brush, sharing isn't a good idea. Pets won't like the taste and may become ill or develop an upset stomach. Luckily, you'll find plenty of safe choices at your favorite pet supply store.

Have you tried brushing your pet's teeth in the past and given up because it was just too difficult? Try introducing brushing gradually. Start by rubbing a moist cloth over a few teeth. When your pet can tolerate this type of cleaning, move on to brushing with a pet toothbrush and toothpaste. Patience is important. It may take weeks or months until you can brush all of your pet's teeth at the same time. In the meantime, dental chews and other products can be helpful in removing plaque.

Myth or Fact: Your Pet Doesn't Need Dental Checkups

Myth. Checkups are just as important for your pet as they are for you. Most dogs and cats have signs of dental disease by the time they're three, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. Unfortunately, animals usually don't show pain or signs of illness until a dental problem is severe. If your pet's veterinarian doesn't examine your furry friend's mouth once a year, you may not realize that every bite is painful due to an infected tooth or that a broken tooth makes chewing difficult. Even though your pet seems fine, a hidden dental issue could be causing problems.

During yearly dental exams, your pet's veterinarian looks for broken teeth, tumors, and signs of infection, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Treating dental issues promptly protects your pet's oral and overall health.

Myth or Fact: Anesthesia Is Unnecessary for Dental Cleanings

Myth. A dental cleaning is an important part of your pet's annual dental exam. The cleaning gets rid of plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. Once tartar builds up below the gums, your pet may be more likely to develop bone and jaw infections or gum disease. If untreated, these conditions can cause tooth loss.

Cleanings offer a simple way to remove plaque and tartar, but they're difficult to perform when patients aren't cooperative. Struggling pets and sharp dental instruments are a bad combination. When your pet is anesthetized, accidental injuries aren't a problem. Anesthetizing your pet also makes it easier to obtain clear X-rays.

Your pet's safety is the priority during cleanings. In addition to monitoring your pet's vital signs during the cleaning, blood tests will be performed prior to the appointment to ensure that your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia.

Myth or Fact: Teeth and Gum Issues Could Affect Your Pet's Health

Fact. Infections in your pet's teeth and gums could spread to other parts of the body if bacteria enter the bloodstream. In fact, dental disease increases your pet's risk of heart, kidney, and liver disease. Poor dental health could also trigger inflammation throughout your pet's body. Chronic inflammation may increase the risk of diabetes, obesity, arthritis, and cancer.

Is it time for your pet's dental checkup? Get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

February National Pet Dental Health Month

Tufts Now: Chew on This, 8/15/11

American Animal Hospital Association: 10 Facts You Need to Know to Protect Your Pet’s Oral (And Overall! Health

Animal Wellness: Chronic Inflammation and Your Pet - Part 1, 10/20/17

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Pet Dangers
    • Behavior & Training
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
No form settings found. Please configure it.
  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

Clinic Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Testimonial

  • "For a long time I've wanted to send a note to thank you for your care of our pets. Every time we bring our animals to your clinic, you show the perfect combination of expert care and compassion. I am especially grateful for the sensitivity you showed me when I brought Whitefoot in for the final time. You helped me through a rough time."
    - Anne A. / Sunnyside, WA

Featured Articles

  • The Next Step

    The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet's problems. However, you should ...

    Read More
  • Battling Canine Cancer

    Every day, Cindy Fleischner lines up her crew of cuddly canines for breakfast. As the four other dogs eat, Cindy pulls Katy, her 12 year old Shepherd mix aside for a peanut butter treat. Katy is battling lymphoma and this treat hides her daily dose of chemotherapy drugs. Katy is not alone in this war. ...

    Read More
  • Gastroenteritis in Pets

    Lengthy bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can be a sign that your pet has gastroenteritis, a common condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach and intestines becomes irritated. Since frequent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, a visit to the veterinarian is a good idea if you notice ...

    Read More
  • What You Need to Know About Antibiotics

    Using antibiotics incorrectly may harm, rather than help, your pet. ...

    Read More
  • Training Tips for Your Pets

    Has training your pet been a frustrating experience? These training tips may help. ...

    Read More
  • World Rabies Day

    Has your pet's rabies vaccine expired? Update it during World Rabies Day on September 28. ...

    Read More
  • Why A Vet Is Your Best Defense During A Zombie Apocalypse

    Could your veterinarian help you survive a zombie apocalypse? ...

    Read More
  • 8 Common Reasons Why Your Dog is Snoring

    Do you know why your dog snores? ...

    Read More
  • Becoming a Service Dog: Training and Temperament Are Key Factors

    Service dogs help thousands of disabled Americans become more independent. The first service dogs guided visually impaired people, but today, the dogs assist people who have a variety of disabilities, ranging from hearing loss to seizures to cerebral palsy. Before a dog can become a service animal, it ...

    Read More
  • How to Make Vet Visits a More Pleasant Experience for Your Pet

    Does your pet dislike visiting the vet? These tips may make visits less stressful. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map