February is National Pet Dental Health Month, when pet owners are reminded to prioritize their pet’s oral care. Dental health issues can affect your pet’s overall health, leading to infections, gum disease, and tooth loss. By scheduling annual dental checkups, you can stay on top of your pet’s dental health and reduce their risk of oral and dental problems. Here are the best ways to protect your pet’s teeth this February and throughout the rest of the year.

Tooth Brushing

Whether you have a cat or a dog, you should brush their teeth at least weekly using pet-specific toothpaste. For smaller dogs and cats, you can use a baby toothbrush or fingertip brush to brush their teeth. For larger dogs, you can use a regular human toothbrush. You can also use pet tooth wipes, which are like baby wipes but are specially formulated to clean pets’ teeth. These will not get in between teeth and are not as effective as a toothbrush, however.

Dental Care Treats and Chews

Dental treats are special treats that reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth. They are tooth-healthy treats that can create a protective barrier on the surface of your pet’s teeth, so that it’s harder for bacteria to stick. Ask your veterinarian to recommend the best dental care treats and chews for your pet.

Professional Dental Checkups

Even consistent at-home dental care isn’t enough on its own. It’s also very important that you take your pet to the veterinarian for regular dental checkups and dental cleanings. Your pet may be put under anesthesia and the veterinarian will clean plaque and tartar off of their teeth and gums. Dental cleanings should be scheduled every one to three years, but dental exams and checkups should be scheduled annually. 

If you aren’t sure what you should be doing for your pet’s overall dental health, make an appointment with your veterinarian to get tips and professional advice.