Your pet’s oral health is as important to them as your oral health is to you - and just like with you, a little bit of preventative care can go a long way. To help you keep your pet smiling, we’ve assembled a list of tips and tricks. Consider this your crash course in veterinary dentistry!

• Pets need to have their teeth brushed daily - just like humans!: Most veterinarians recommend that pets have their teeth brushed once a day. There are many different tools you can use, like a cotton swab or a soft-bristled toothbrush made for pets. The trick is to get them used to the treatment as early as possible. Starting when your pet is a puppy or a kitten is best, but if you adopt an animal as an adult, you can always start a good brushing routine when you bring them home.
• Don’t use human toothpaste for your pets: It’s very important to use a toothpaste that is specially formulated for pets. Human toothpaste often contains added fluoride, which can cause health problems if too much builds up in the body. This is fine for humans because we know not to swallow toothpaste, but your pet will probably swallow at least some, and over time, they could have unsafe levels of fluoride in their bodies.
• Chew toys and certain treats can be a great benefit to your pet’s oral health: There are certain chew toys and treats that can help you keep your pet’s mouth healthy and clean. Be sure to ask your veterinary dentist for recommendations. However, keep in mind that these toys and treats are no substitute for daily brushing.
• At the same time, avoid giving your pet hard objects to chew on: You should avoid letting your pet chew on things like antlers and bones: the harder the object is to chew, the more likely it is that your pet might fracture a tooth. If you’d have a hard time chewing on an object, your pet probably will too. Keep those objects away from them.

Regular dental checkups and other veterinary dentistry can make a big difference for your pet. The best way to make sure that your pet gets the right dental care is to make sure that veterinary dentistry is included as part of their regular exams and checkups. At Deep River Veterinary Hospital, PC, we’re proud to care for all of our patients’ teeth. We can help you keep an eye on your pet’s oral health and will let you know if we see a problem developing. We serve pets from High Point, NC; Greensboro, NC; Jamestown, NC; and the surrounding area, so if you’re looking for some professional help and advice, don’t hesitate. Make an appointment today!