How often should we have our pet’s teeth cleaned and what are some of the signs that a cleaning is needed?

Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health and dental problems can be the cause of many other health problems. During your pet’s earlier years, their teeth and gums should be examined at least once a year to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. As they age, you may have them checked and cleaned twice a year to prevent periodontal disease and infection from spreading throughout their body.

Some signs to look for include bad breath, broken or loose teeth, extra teeth or retained baby teeth, teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar, abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth, reduced appetite or refusal to eat, pain in or around the mouth, bleeding from the mouth or swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth.