Your Northcutt dentist would like to take a moment this month to pay some respect to man’s best friend. Everyone either has a dog that’s part of their immediate family or at least knows someone’s who’s got a pooch they love. With Northcutt Dental offices located in the friendly neighborhoods of Hoover, Helena, Fairhope, Bay Minette, Semmes, and Cottage Hill we know a lot of dog owners and are dog owners ourselves. And just like you, your dog’s oral health is a vital part of their overall health too. It’s all part of our famously friendly family dentistry.
Let’s dive right in and talk all things teeth (and dogs)!
Tip #1 – Healthy Gums are Essential
Just like their human friends, dogs need to have healthy gums to ensure the rest of them stays healthy too. Gingivitis or periodontal disease can have adverse effects on your dog’s overall health if/when bad bacteria spread through your dog’s infected gums and into the bloodstream. Gum disease can also cause tooth loss. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, periodontal disease is the most common clinical dental conditions for dogs and even cats. Unfortunately, the college also says gingivitis, even though it’s entirely preventable, is hard to spot with very few warning signs other than bad breath.
Tip #2 – Brushing is Best
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation says a regular brushing for your pooch’s teeth is the most effective method of keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay. But we all know brushing your dog’s teeth is sometimes easier said than done – just like with a toddler. Some older dogs require a relaxing trip to the vet and a dose of sedation to get a good cleaning. It’s a routine that can and will get more comfortable over time. It’s just a matter of finding the right way to do it where you and your pet feel comfortable too.
Tip #3 – Routine Checkups are Important
We know it sounds like we’re giving you tips about your oral health, but there are a lot of similarities between our dogs and us when it comes to taking care of our teeth. If you want your pet to have a healthy bite that lasts a lifetime, it’s important to see the vet regularly so they can look around your dog’s mouth for any signs or symptoms of disease and decay.
Your Northcutt Dental team loves our families and their pets. That’s why we wanted to take a moment to remind you to take care of them too. You’ll be able to enjoy a longer, healthier, happier life with them. The next time you’re at one of our six friendly neighborhood Northcutt locations, tell us about your dog or share a photo or two. We’d love to know more about how they enrich and enhance your family’s life.
7:30 - 7:30 Weekdays!
7:30 – 4:30 Saturdays
