Tag Archives: tooth decay

Pet First Aid: Toothache and Tooth Damage

How will your pet let you know that something is wrong with his mouth? You may see them drop food from their mouths, or only chew on one side when eating. They may ask for food, but then not eat it! Your pet may paw at his face, or just look miserable. Dogs and cats do regularly experience tooth damage. A tooth may decay and break, or it may loosen and fall out from gum disease. Accidents can break or knock out a tooth; even chewing extremely hard objects can grind or break teeth. Most pets will be pretty stoic … Continue reading →

The Dentist Who Punched Me

It seems unbelievable, but it’s true. When I was a young girl, my mother took me to the dentist to have a cavity filled. I was probably seven or so, and terrified. For some reason, parents were not invited into the examination room, and my mother—rest her soul—was too timid to insist. I remember whining and crying in fear as the dentist tried to do his work. There was no assistant in the room. I’m sure I caused the man a great deal of frustration. All of a sudden, he reared his arm back and punched me in my stomach … Continue reading →

The Healthy Tooth Diet

Most parents understand that sugar = cavities and understand the importance of teeth brushing when it comes to good dental health. But did you know that some types of desserts are healthier for teeth than your child’s lunchtime sandwich? It’s true! Cavities in teeth are caused when cavity-causing bacteria are fed by sugars and create acid which erodes tooth enamel. The more often the bacteria is fed, the higher the likelihood of tooth decay. It is pretty difficult and unhealthy for the rest of the body to avoid all sugars. There are healthy sugars – such as those found in … Continue reading →