If you’re a regular visitor of our blog, you know that we love talking to Midland folks about the importance of good home dental hygiene and regular visits to Dr. Randell Bell. Preventive dental medicine adds years of good oral health and beautiful smiles to your family’s lives. But did you know that your pets can also benefit from oral hygiene care?

Here are a few fun facts about our furry friends:

Cat Dental Facts

• ‘Kittens have 26 baby teeth and by three to four months of age, they will have all 30 of their permanent teeth.
• Cats have the fewest teeth of all common pets.
• While cats’ largest canine teeth have only one root, the fourth upper premolars have three roots, because they are the primary shearing teeth.
• Just like in humans, the most common cause of tooth loss in cats is periodontal disease and by age three, 70% of cats show signs of it.
• Yes, you can brush your cat’s teeth and veterinarians recommend it!

Dog Dental Facts

• Puppies have 28 baby teeth, which is more than the average middle-aged adult.
• Full grown dogs have 42 teeth
• Small dogs breeds are prone to dental problems because their tooth are too big for their mouths
• 80% of dogs experience symptoms of gum disease by age three.
• Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in gum and many other products, is extremely toxic and often lethal to dogs.
• Sneezing and/or facial swelling are often the first signs of a dental infection or problem
• According to the ASPCA, brushing your dog’s teeth once a day is ideal, but a few times a week will suffice. Brush more often if your dog is a smaller breed.

So now you know- even pets benefits from good oral care habits! Give us a call today and schedule your next visit to Health Centered Dentistry.