Important and Helpful Pet Dental Tips with our Tierrasanta Veterinarian

If you notice your pet has bad breath after brushing, it may be a sign of gum disease and/or teeth issues, which can cause serious health problems. So, it is important to schedule a dental exam with a San Diego veterinarian who provides pet dentistry. Maintaining your pet’s oral hygiene is an extremely important factor of their healthcare routine, so here are a few tips on how to keep your pet’s mouth cleaner.

Brushing Dog Teeth and Cat Teeth

One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of dental work on dog teeth and cat teeth is to practice dental care for your pet. The best thing you can do ensure your pet has good oral hygiene is to brush their teeth every day. Brushing once a week or even every few days isn’t enough to prevent the buildup of bacteria that can cause problems with teeth and gums. To brush your pets teeth:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a finger brush and toothpaste. Make sure to only use toothpaste that is specifically formulated for pet use (human toothpaste can be harmful to pets if swallowed).
• Place a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and then allow you pet to sniff and lick the toothpaste, to help get them interested in the flavor. Hold the toothbrush at an angle against the surface of the teeth, with the bristle pointing toward their gums.
• Brush teeth slowly and in a circular motion and try to spend about at least 30 seconds on each side of the mouth.

 Contact Our Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital to Schedule an Exam for Pet Dentistry

Along with routine brushing at home, it is essential that you schedule an appointment with your Tierrasanta vet for regular dental exams. When your pet visits the veterinarian in San Diego for pet dentistry, the vet will carefully exam their teeth to ensure there isn’t a buildup of tartar, the gums aren’t red and other signs of possible dental disease.