The benefits of a healthy mouth (and the pain, infection, and inflammation of a diseased one) extend to the whole body. Therefore, dental cleanings can have an enormous beneficial effect on your pet's overall health. Ideally you should brush your dog's teeth daily with a pet toothpaste. Make sure you use a toothpaste made especially for dogs. Human toothpaste and mouthwashes can often upset a dog's stomach. A healthy mouth should have pink gums and show no signs of swelling. Additionally, toxic free rawhide, nylon and rubber chew toys can help keep the teeth clean. You can also give your pet special formulated food that will help keep the tartar off in between brushing and cleanings. (ASPCA)
Here are five signs to watch out for:
- Difficulty Eating can result from the pain associated with the inflammation and infection caused by dental disease.
- Pawing at the Mouth may also be a sign of pain, inflammation and loose teeth.
- Excessive Salivation often occurs with any disease of the mouth, including dental disease.
- Odor from the Mouth and/or Bad Breath are common symptoms of infection caused by dental disease.
- Facial Swelling Below the Eye or on the Bottom Jaw can mean that your pet has an abscess of a tooth root causing a draining hole to appear.
If your pet shows any of the above signs, he or she should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Prompt assessment and treatment are vital when it comes to dental disease in pets.
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