Quality dental care is an essential part of your pet's good health. Not just because it will make breath sweeter, but also because it contributes to overall wellness. Bacteria that result from diseased teeth and gums can enter your pet's bloodstream and travel to organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys and liver, starting infections there. One of the major causes of heart disease in dogs is dental disease. We can extend our pet's life expectancy 20% with good preventive dental care. Although these infections are usually treatable, they can cause serious damage and, if not caught in time, may even cause death.

Periodontal disease is the overall term we give to infections in the tissue surrounding the teeth. Plaque and tartar form when food stays in the cracks and crevices of the teeth, especially along the gum line. Canned food is somewhat more likely to cause plaque than dry food because it tends to stick more easily to the surfaces of the teeth. But any food will cause problems if the teeth are not cleaned. In the early stages of periodontal disease, plaque is still soft, and brushing or chewing hard food and toys can dislodge it. If left to harden, plaque can lead to an inflammation of the gums called gingivitis.

When plaque mixes with saliva, it hardens and becomes tartar and calculus. Bacteria, plaque, tartar and calculus irritate the gums, making them tender, red and swollen. This stage of dental disease is called gingivitis. At this point, professional cleaning is needed. If the plaque and tartar buildup continues unchecked, the tooth may be come infected. In the final stages of periodontal disease, the tissues surrounding the tooth are destroyed, and the bony socket holding the tooth erodes, leading to mobility and loss of teeth.

Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated. The keys to your pet's oral health are professional veterinary dental care and good home care. Too few pets receive both, and most don't receive either. Take the first step toward better pet health today by visiting your veterinarian. In addition to performing a physical examination and taking a medical history, the doctor will examine your pet's teeth and gums. Recommendations may be made for cleaning, polishing and other dental care in the hospital, or your veterinarian may suggest a program of home dental care.