Periodontal Disease in Pets

If you’re a regular visitor of our blog, you know that we love talking to Houston folks about the importance of good home dental hygiene and regular visits to Dr. Dassani. 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 Dassani Dentistry.

About Meghna Dassani, DMD

Dr. Meghna Dassani received her initial dental training from the University of Mumbai, India, where she graduated in 1996 as Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). After working as an associate for one year, she established her own practice in Mumbai, India. She successfully operated this practice for six years prior to moving to the US. When Dr. Meghna Dassani is not in the office she is at home being a mommy to her 2 beautiful girls and enjoying time relaxing with her husband. Since opening her own practice in 2011 she doesn’t have a lot of free time but when the time allows she enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, cooking, visiting with friends and family and of course SHOPPING with a Starbucks in her hand!