Kiss this: 10 facts about your pet's mouth

If February is the month for love, that includes our furry friends. And especially if you’re one of those people — the kind who kiss dogs on the mouth (ew! What’s wrong with a face-rub?), now’s the time to pay special attention to what you’re kissing.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month.

Dental disease is the No. 1 illness affecting pets. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and spread to vital organs. So good oral hygiene can literally add years to your pet’s life.

A few more facts about pet oral health:

1. Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition among cats and dogs. It is progressive and painful, but entirely preventable.

2. Like humans, dogs and cats have a full set of baby teeth that are replaced with adult teeth (42 for dogs; 30 for cats). Where those baby teeth disappear to, I have no idea.

3. Contrary to what you’ve heard, a dog’s mouth is not cleaner than a human’s.

4. Approximately 80 percent of dogs and cats will have some form of dental disease by age 3.

5. The most common sign of periodontal disease is bad breath. Other signs may include:

- Tartar at the gumline or brownish teeth

- Red or inflamed gums, tooth loss, or bleeding

- Pawing at, or chewing on, one side of the mouth

- Decreased appetite or weight loss

6. Periodontal disease causes inflammation and infection that can damage other organs including the heart, liver, and kidneys.

7. Small breed dogs are more likely to have dental issues, because their teeth are often a little too large for the size of their mouths.

8. Sneezing and nasal discharge can be a sign of a tooth infection.

9. For good dental health, your pet’s teeth should be brushed daily.

10. Proper dental cleaning requires general anesthesia in pets. Veterinary dentists perform many of the same procedures as human dentists, including root canals and crowns.

Providing your pet with good dental hygiene can add two to four years to its life. Now will someone please tell me how to keep a cat still for a toothbrush?

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network who admits she’s never managed to brush her cat’s teeth. That would require body armor. Suggestions welcome at Sholeh@cdapress.com.