PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE is one of the most neglected pet health needs. Yet it is just as important for your pet as it is for you. While cavities do occur in both dogs and cats, periodontal (gum) disease is the most common and serious pet dental problem.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE is caused by a buildup of plaque and calculus below the gumline. Plaque,a sticky, colorless, bacteria-laden film forms continuously on teeth. If not removed, it hardens into calculus. Gums recede as calculus builds up, forming bacteria filled pockets.
	BACTERIA infects gum tissue, the roots of teeth, and erodes above that secures teeth. Eventually teeth fall out. Bacteria are carried through the body by a large network of blood vessels near gums and teeth. An accumulation of bacteria can weaken the liver, kidneys and heart, lowering your pet's resistance to illness.

WARNING SIGNS
Many pets suffer in silence with dental disease. Others show acute pain while eating. Some pets act depressed. BAD BREATH and drooling are frequent signs of dental disease. Teeth are normally white and smooth. Healthy gums are pink, smooth and adhere tightly to teeth. Diseased gums are thickened, reddened and bleed easily. If any warning sign is present, your pet needs veterinary attention

TREATMENT for most pets means having your veterinarian scale (remove) calculus at and beneath the gumeline. Polishing smooths tooth surfaces to reduce bacteria growth.

HOME CARE coupled with regular pet dental exams, scaling and polishing (at least once a year) will make a significant improvement in your pet's health, longevity and happiness.

HOME CARE

REMOVING PLAQUE before it hardens to calculus is the most important step in preventing periodontal disease. Feeding a proper diet, including some dry or crunch food, stimulates gums and helps clean exposed tooth surfaces. Brushing your pet's teeth regularly (at least twice a week) reduces plaque and calculus buildup at and beneath the gumline.

START SLOWLY by gently handling your pet's mouth. Massage along the cheek-side of the tooth and gumline with your finger. If your pet resists, calmly stroke and reassure him or her. Try again. Make this a comfortable relaxing time for both of you.

WHEN your pet accepts handing of its mouth, wrap cloth or gauze around your index finger to wipe plaque from cheek-side tooth surfaces and gumline. After your pet is used to the cloth or gauze, you may add a little special pet toothpaste available from your veterinarian. Never use human toothpaste. Pets can't spit it out and it may cause stomach upset.

AFTER your pet accepts the cloth or gauze, start brushing with a special soft-bristle pet toothbrush available from your veterinarian. Gently hold the mouth closed with one hand. Lift the lip on one side and brush cheek-side surfaces of teeth and gumline. This is where salivary glands are located and many of the problems occur. The entire process should take only a few minutes. Praise your pet often and give occasional rewards for cooperation. People can choose their own level of oral hygiene-pets must depend on their owners.

DENTAL CARE WILL MAKE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN YOUR PET'S HEALTH, LONGEVITY, AND HAPPINESS.