HEALTHY TEETH-Proper dental care helps prevent bad breath and serious disease.

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Pets need routine professional and home dental care. Cavities (dental caries) are not common in dogs and cats-but, periodontal disease is a frequent problem. Periodontal refers to the gum tissue and bone around the teeth. Most older pets have significant periodontal disease.

BAD BREATH

Bad breath is not a disease in itself. It is a symptom of an underlying problem. Often that underlying problem is periodontal disease. Left unchecked poor dental health can lead to loss of teeth and infections throughout your pet's body. Furthermore, the harmful bacteria associated with dental disease produce toxins, which can damage your pet's vital organs.

Periodontal disease starts with plaque. Plaque is a combination of food debris and bacteria. If plaque is not removed regularly, it builds up and becomes mineralized.

Tartar (or calculus) is mineralized plaque. Tartar traps more food debris and bacteria. Bacteria release toxins and the gums become inflamed. The accumulation of pus, dying tissue, food debris and bacteria create a foul odor-usually the most noticeable symptom of periodontal disease.

Without professional care, the process continues and the gums will recede, exposing the tooth roots. Eventually the roots will loosen and the teeth will fall out.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Prevention is ideal. Start early. A puppy or kitten can be easily taught to accept routine home dental care. But, you can start at any age.

Dental rinses can be used to control plaque and bacterial growth.

Weekly brushing is helpful. Use a soft toothbrush or a washcloth and an oral care product made for pets.

The mechanical action of dry pet foods tends to prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar. The same is true of rawhide, biscuits and hard nylon chew toys.

Regular veterinary physical exams are a key part of any preventive program. Early detection of periodontal disease is important.

PROFESSIONAL TEETH CLEANING

Pets prone to calculus build up may need professional teeth cleaning every 6-12 months. Other pets may only require it every 3-4 years.

Removal of tartar requires general anesthesia. Your veterinarian will scrape the plaque and tartar from your pet's teeth-above and below the gum line. Extracting loose teeth is an important part of dental care in advanced periodontal disease.

When tartar removal is complete, your veterinarian will polish your pet's teeth. This will smooth tooth surfaces. If not smoothed out, rough surfaces can act as a collecting site for future plaque and tartar.