February is Dental Health Month

February is Dental Health month. While the cost of taking care of your pet's dental health can sometimes seem costly for a somewhat cosmetic procedure, much like your own dental health, your pet’s dental health can have an impact on your pet’s overall wellness.

Here are six signs that your pet is in need of a dental exam and dental care.
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While these signs may signify that your pet may have an immediate dental need that needs to be addressed, it is important that your pet receives regular dental checkups and cleanings. 

• For many there is nothing sweeter than their pet leaning in for a sloppy kiss.  But for many pets, their breath isn’t so sweet and stinky breath can be a warning sign of periodontal disease.
• If your pet is having trouble or suddenly loses interest in eating, your pet might need dental care immediately.  These are signs of an oral infection, which may be caused by gum disease.
• If your pet develops swelling, bleeding or inflamed gums, this may be a sign of a bacterial infection. Left untreated this infection can spread to other parts of the body.
• While you may think that it is normal for your pet to lose teeth as they age, broken or loose teeth may be a sign of a more serious problem. It may signify a bacterial infection in the roots of the teeth. 
• If your pet has a growth or tumor on their gum, it is important to have it checked out by your veterinarian.  A growth could signify cancer and may require more in-depth dental care to protect your pet’s life
• If your pet begins pawing at their face or drooling it may indicate that your pet has a dental abscess due to a bacterial infection, fighting or a broken tooth from chewing on hard items such as rocks.

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