Did you know that the number one disease in adult cats and dogs is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is the ever-progressing process of plaque and tartar build-up on teeth. By the age of three, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop gum disease. Furthermore, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society, bacteria from periodontal disease can travel through your pet’s body leading to kidney, liver and heart disease, which can result in early death. In addition, gum disease causes bad breath, gum pain and loose teeth in many animals. The warning signs include red and swollen gums, bad breath and a yellow-brown crust of tartar at the gum line as well as pain or bleeding when touched.

If you have a pet, examine their mouths.  Is there tartar build-up? Are the gums red and swollen? Is there a bad breath odor?  If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, your pet probably has periodontal disease.  Just like we visit our dentist regularly and brush our teeth daily, we need to take car of our pet's mouth too.   Imagine if that mouth that you are looking into was yours. Imagine how terrible you would feel.

It is true that after a proper dental cleaning, especially with severe periodontal disease, many pets feel better. They are more active, can eat better and are pain free.

After a proper dental cleaning, home care is very important. Hard food or biscuits are not enough to keep the mouth plaque-free. The best plaque control comes from use of soft-bristled toothbrushes which clean under the gum line as well as the crown. Use Veterinary labeled toothpastes which can be swallowed. In contrast, human pastes may cause stomach irritations when ingested. Why is this important? Brushing will decrease the accumulation of bacteria-laden plaque and will prevent or control periodontal disease.

When brushing, place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, apply Veterinary toothpaste and gently brush the outside surface of each tooth. Daily brushing is important for maintaining healthy teeth in humans and is ideal for pets as well.