In celebration of National Pet Dental Health Month,
here are a few fun facts about your pet’s mouth!
- Dogs and cats have a full set of baby teeth that are replaced with adult teeth, just like humans!
- Dogs have 42 permanent adult teeth; cats have 30.
- Periodontal disease (teeth/gums) is the most common disease seen in adult dogs and cats.
- Providing your pet with good dental hygiene can add 2-4 years to its life!
- Contrary to what you’ve heard, a dog’s mouth is NOT cleaner than a human’s mouth.
- Periodontal disease causes inflammation and infection that can damage other organs including the heart, liver, and kidneys.
- The most common sign of periodontal disease is bad breath, or halitosis (aka dog breath).
- Most pets will not stop eating even when severe periodontal disease is present, so that isn’t a reliable sign.
- Sneezing and nasal discharge can be a sign of a tooth infection.
- Proper dental cleaning requires general anesthesia in pets.
- For good dental health, your pet’s teeth should be brushed daily.
- Approximately 80% of dogs and cats will have some form of dental disease by age three.
- Veterinary dentists perform many of the same procedures as human dentists, including root canals and crowns!