7 Steps to your Pet’s Dental Health
Many of our pets will show gum disease by the time they are four years old, some can be as young as two.  If you educate yourself with providing good dental hygiene for your pets and schedule your pet’s annual visits to Village Veterinary Hospital at which time a dental exam is part of the annual visit, this will help maintain healthy teeth and prevent any possible dental problems.
Here are 7 steps that can help you, help your pet, to having a healthy mouth.

The Breath Test:  Sniff your pet’s breath.  If their breath is especially offensive and is accompanied by a loss of appetite, vomiting or excessive drinking or urinating, it is a good idea to schedule and appointment and have their teeth looked at.
Signs of Oral Disease: The following are signs that your pet may have a problem and should have a dental exam.
*Bad Breath
*Excessive Drooling
*Inflamed Gums
*Tumors in the Gums
*Cysts under the Tongue
*Loose Teeth

What is Tooth Decay?: Bacteria and plaque-forming foods can cause build-up on our pet’s teeth.  This will cause tartar, possibly causing gingivitis, receding gums and tooth loss.
Know your Mouth Disorders: Get familiar with possible mouth problems.  Know what you’re looking for and know when it is time to see the vet. 
*Periodontal Disease – is a painful infection between the tooth and the gum, this can cause tooth loss and spread infection to major organs in the body.
*Gingivitis – is an inflammation of the gums caused mainly by disease-producing bacteria around the gum line.  This is reversible with regular teeth cleanings.
*Halitosis – or bad breath – can be the first sign of a mouth problem and is caused by food particles caught between the teeth.

*Swollen Gums – develop when tartar builds up and food gets stuck in the teeth.
*Proliferating Gum Disease – occurs when the gum grows over the teeth.
*Mouth Tumors – appear as lumps in the gums.  Some of these must be removed.
Chew on This: Chew toys can help the teeth stay clean and massage the gums.  If you have questions about which toys are “safe” for your pet, please call our office at 869-2627 and discuss it with one of our Doctors.
Diet for Healthy Teeth: Village Veterinary Hospital sales and believes in Science Diet.  Science Diet had a T/D diet that is specifically for the teeth as well as a Healthy Advantage Diet that is an all-around food, including the teeth.
Annual Exams and Dentals: It is important to make annual exams for your pets.  Just like people, our pet’s health can change in a short time, and if your vet doesn’t have the opportunity to keep his eye on them, a very simple issue can quickly become a medical emergency.  During every annual exam, our vet’s and technician will always check the teeth and gums for any changes. 
If you have questions or concerns, please call our office at 505-869-2627 and we will be glad to help you.