All of us know that dental health is very important. But did you know that it is equally important for our pets? How many of us are really concerned about the dental health of our furry, four-legged friends?

While Delta Dental of Idaho does not provide pet benefits, that doesn’t mean you should let the health of your pet slip. The dental health of the family pet is as important to their overall health as it is to that of any other family member.

It’s been estimated that 80 percent of pets over the age of 3 suffer from some sort of dental disease, and just like humans, the consequences can be significant if ignored. Just like humans, animals are prone to bacteria and plaque buildup on their teeth. This buildup hardens and creates problems that can eventually result in tooth loss. Sound familiar? It might—at least to those who have kept pets long enough.

The solution is equally familiar—regular brushing!

Regularly brushing your pets’ teeth goes a long way toward keeping them healthy. Don’t use brushes and toothpaste that are meant for us, though. Instead, get a vet’s recommendation on a proper tooth-brushing kit. There are some fun flavors pets will love, like liver, bacon and peanut butter.

Another thing you can do is make sure they get a healthy, well-balanced diet and some chew toys. Chew toys will massage their gums and scrape the tartar away. Of course, those toys will also keep them away from your precious furniture and favorite footwear.

Keep a close watch on the condition of their chompers. Regularly examine their teeth and gums, and make sure the gums are pink and the teeth are white. Dental cleanings for animals can be done at a vet’s office but prevention, like in humans, is the best method to good oral health.

Granted, the average pooch’s breath is not really minty fresh on the best of days, but an especially vile whiff could actually be an indicator that something is wrong with their oral or overall health. Visit the vet at the first scent of trouble.