Tips on Home Care Excellent oral health is maintained by daily oral hygiene, whether by brushing or by chewing. feed a dental food to ensure your pet receives good oral care every day watch your pet for the warning signs of periodontal disease inspect your pet's mouth regularly if you brush your pet's teeth, it's best to introduce the practice gradually and early; training my take several days or weeks never brush your pet's teeth with toothpaste designed for people.  It contains ingredients that may upset your pet's stomach. Steps to Better Oral Care Visit your veterinarian- every regular exam in our clinic includes a thorough dental exam.  If we find signs of disease, we will recommend a treatment plan.  It is important for the overall health of your pet that we take care of any dental problems we find.  We will also recommend a home care plan that is a key part of keeping your pet healthy. Start an oral care routine at home- plaque should be removed from your pet's teeth every day before it mineralizes into tartar.  Brushing your pet's teeth or feeding a dental food every day will control plaque buildup.  Be sure the dental food you use offers total balanced nutrition for whole health.  Ask us about the best methods of home care for your pet. Schedule regular dental checkups- we monitor the progress of your pet's preventive program, so regular dental checkups are essential, just as twice-a-year checkups are important for people.  For pets who form tartar quickly or those with a histrory of oral problems, frequent examinations and cleanings may be advised.