February is National Pet Dental Health Month and it’s a time to consider how our furry friend’s teeth look to prevent tooth loss.

Dr. Christy Fields with Companion Veterinary Clinic of Greene County says the most common pet dental issue is periodontal disease. She states that this disease starts out as bacteria on the teeth, which can then develop into plaque. If not treated, the disease can further develop into tarter. 

“Tarter will eventually destroy the tooth and the bone that holds the tooth in. So dogs that have severe periodontal disease will have loose teeth, painful teeth and root exposure.”

Dr. Fields points out the way to prevent periodontal disease is by having your pet chew their food, get annual dental cleanings by a veterinarian and regularly brushing your pet’s teeth at home.

“If you can start getting your dog and cat used to having their teeth brushed as puppies and kittens, then it’s something that’s a lot easier going forward in life. Brushing should be done everyday, if possible. But even if you can’t do it everyday, if you can do it once a week, it’s better than not at all.”

Dr. Fields adds if your pet breaks a tooth, take them to a veterinarian right away to prevent further dental problems.