Most pet owners don't think about the possibility of dental injuries in our cats and dogs. Pets are susceptible to many of the same oral health issues as their owners. Our pets can suffer from periodontal disease and experience tooth traumas, especially as they age.

Dentistry for our pets is very similar to human dentistry. Your veterinarian can provide treatments ranging from routine cleanings to root canal and restorative gum surgeries. Veterinarians are often the first to notice a dental problem and will give antibiotics to fight infection in an attempt to prevent it from spreading through out the pet.

Often, the first sign of a dental problem that an owner will notice is bad breath. Other common indications are bleeding gums, an animal taking only a bite or two of its normal food and then turning away or constantly appearing to be very hungry. Just like us, when an animal's mouth is painful, they will avoid eating as much as possible.

It is easier to prevent dental problems than to treat them. The key factors in prevention are proper diet and good oral hygiene. Dry kibble is recommended to help keep teeth clean and strong. Provide your pet with treats and chews designed to promote the natural cleaning action of the teeth. Always be sure to have plenty of fresh water available for your pet, not only to keep him hydrated but also to help rinse away food debris.

Cleaning your pet's teeth with a toothbrush or gauze pad once or twice a week will also help preserve teeth. The secret to successful pet tooth brushing is to start when the animal is young! Your pet can be conditioned to tooth care as part of the daily care routine with little effort on your part. As in any pet training, consistency is important. Associating the procedure with a treat or extra handling will make it pleasant for pets and encourage them to cooperate.

Puppies and older dogs are susceptible to mouth injuries. We all know puppies will try to bite everything from rocks to tires and they need to be taught what is appropriate for biting and what is not. A dog's jaw can exert much greater force than our own, and this can lead to fractured teeth. Older dogs can also accidently break teeth if they have undiagnosed gum disease which weakens the teeth. Careful examination of your pet's mouth on a regular basis can keep prevent many of these problems.