DID YOU KNOW THAT FEBRUARY is not only Children’s Dental Health Month but also Pet Dental Health Month? That’s right! Your pets need their teeth taken care of too! While their teeth don’t require quite as much attention as ours or our kids’ do, your pet’s teeth still need a little tender loving care to keep them healthy.

Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

Brushing our teeth removes plaque and prevents gum disease; the same goes for dogs and cats! Brushing your dog or cat’s teeth three to four times per week can prevent dental disease and extend their life. It can also save them a lot of pain and you a lot of money on veterinary visits!

Use The Right Toothpaste

It’s important not to use regular human toothpaste for your pet. Since dogs and cats can’t spit the toothpaste out, the high fluoride content can really upset their stomachs and can even be toxic. You can find toothpaste specifically made for pets that are not only safe but appeals to their taste buds too!

Chew Toys Help Remove Plaque

Just as chewing sugarless gum after you eat helps increase saliva production and remove plaque, chew toys contribute to your pet’s dental health in between brushing sessions. Getting your pet a chew toy or hard bone can strengthen their teeth and gums as well as scrub plaque off of their teeth!

They Need Regular Checkups Just Like We Do

Biannual or annual visits to your veterinarian help keep your pet’s mouth and body healthy. When you come into the dentist for your bi-annual visit, we not only clean your teeth but check for signs of more serious conditions such as periodontal disease and oral cancer. Routine checkups for your pet are just as essential for their health.

A Healthy Mouth Makes A Healthy Pet

Sadly, statistics suggest that over 80 percent of dogs and cats have some degree of dental disease by the time they are three years old. Remember, a healthy mouth means a happy life. That goes for you and Sparky! If you have any questions about YOUR dental health, call us or come in today!

We love our patients (and their pets)!

 

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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THE CDC REPORTS that 1 in 5 children (between ages 5 and 11) in the US have untreated tooth decay. Not only should tooth decay be treated in regular dental appointments, but it should also be prevented! Tooth decay is 100 percent preventable with effective personal care and regular dental cleanings.

In honor of Children’s Dental Health Month, we’re spreading the word about children’s dental health.

 

YOU Can Help Little Ones Have Healthier Smiles!

  1. Encourage them to brush for two full minutes. 
  2. Pick a song about two minutes long and sing it to them during brushing time.
  3. Set reminders to brush twice a day. Brushing after breakfast and just before bed are the best times for preventing bacteria growth from food.
  4. Show them flossing is fun, not harmful. Be gentle at first when doing it for them. A bad experience can stop them from flossing on their own.
  5. Be persistent. Don’t let fussy children off the hook. Be motivating! Kids may gladly brush for a sticker or star if you make it an activity.
  6. Set their first dental appointment before age 1. Having positive dental experiences early will make dental visits easier and less frightening when older.

To celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month Lane & Associates Family Dentistry is sponsoring a Coloring Contest! Enter your completed coloring sheet via our Facebook pages for your chance to win a $100 Gift Card to www.marblesthebrainstore.com! We are giving away one gift card at each of our 27 locations! Coloring sheets can be downloaded and printed at https://lanedds.com/coloring-contest. There are 4 designs to choose from.

Contest rules can be found on our Facebook pages and directly on the coloring pages.

Help Us Spread The Word!

Share this message with your friends and family, and especially with the children in your life. Thanks for being our valued patients and friends!

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