Pet’s Dental Health – Take the Quiz
Do not turn your nose to your pet’s bad breath! That odor might signify a serious health risk, with the potential to damage not only your pet’s teeth and gums but its internal organs as well.
Test Yourself - How much do you know about your pet’s dental health?
(answers at the bottom)
1. True or False: Most dental disease occurs below the gum line, where you can’t see it.
2. What’s the single most important thing you can do to maintain your pet’s dental health in between professional cleanings?
a) Floss
b) Brush their teeth
c) Use pet-safe mouthwash to control stinky breath
d) Give my pet treats that claim to keep their teeth clean.
3. What percentage of dogs and cats have periodontal disease by the age of 3?
a) less than 10%
b) 20-30%
c) 50-60%
d) 70-80%
e) 90-100%
4. What are the warning signs of possible dental disease in pets?
a) Redness of Gums
b) Bad Breath
c) Loose Teeth
d) Discolored teeth
e) Broken teeth
f) Tenderness around the mouth and/or teeth
g) Drooling or dropping food
h) Bleeding from the mouth
i) Loss of appetite/poor appetite
k) Weight loss
l) All of the above
1. TRUE - Most dental disease occurs below the gum line, where you can’t see it. Bacteria that you can’t see can damage the tissues connecting the teeth and jaw. That’s why it’s so important to have your veterinarian regularly examine your pet’s teeth and perform regular professional dental cleanings.
2. B - Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do between professional cleanings. Daily brushing is ideal, but we realize that’s not always realistic. If you can brush your pet’s teeth at least three times per week, you’re doing a great job! Do you already know how to brush your pet’s teeth? Awesome! Don’t know? Ask your vet or vet tech, and they can show you how.
3. D - 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease by the age of 3.
4. L – ALL of these are indicators of possible dental disease in pets.
If you observe any of these problems with your pet, contact your veterinarian.
American Veterinary Medical Association
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