February is National Pet Dental Health Month.  During this month we spend some extra time educating and emphasizing the importance of your pet's dental health.  Dental disease is not just dirty teeth and bad breath.

The most common dental ailment we see in our veterinary patients is periodontal disease.  This is a condition in which plaque-producing bacteria take up residence on the teeth and under the gums.  As the disease progresses, these bacteria work their way under the gum line and into the space between the bone and tooth root.  In the latter stages of the disease, teeth become loose, painful, and may fall out.  Periodontal disease has a connection to so many other body systems.  It can significantly affect your pet's quality of life and comfort.  Left untreated, the disease can not only lead to oral pain, infections and tooth loss, but also affect other parts of the body such as the sinuses, heart, liver, and kidneys.

As with most health issues, the best way to address dental disease is prevention.  Regular oral home care such as brushing and dental chews can slow the progression of dental disease.  In addition, professional cleanings and oral exams on a regular basis are important to identify and treat disease in its earliest stages. This can help prevent unnecessary tooth loss and reduce the need for more aggressive treatments such as tooth extractions.

During the month of February, we are offering $20 off our professional cleaning as well as a free home care item.  Schedule your pet now, as we only have a few spots remaining.