The month of February has been dedicated as dental awareness month for all pets, but dental care goes well beyond one month of awareness. Pets’ dental care is just as important as their pet parents dental care and are linked to their overall health.

Although cavities are less common in pets than in people, they can have many other similar dental problems that humans can develop: Abscesses or infected teeth, broken teeth and roots, cysts or tumors in the mouth, and periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats. By the time your pet is years old, he or she will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease. Early detection and treatment are critical. Prevention of the most common oral disease in pets consists of frequent removal of the dental plaque and tartar that forms on teeth that are not kept clean. Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do to keep their teeth healthy between dental cleanings.

Remember dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health.