Just like us, our pet's oral health is important. The cause of gum disease is also the same: Bacteria collects on the tooth surface, causing irritation to the gums. If this process is allowed to continue, the bacterial infection can lead to bone loss around the tooth.  In addition, the hard dental tarter often seen on our pet's teeth is difficult to remove without the use of dental instruments. And, because tarter begins to form within days of a teeth cleaning, daily dental care is important for our pets.

What are the effects of poor dental health?
    The most common and most noticeable effect is bad breath (halitosis), but halitosis is often only the beginning of the problems that lay beneath the surface. Irritated gums may bleed. Painful teeth may cause your pet to drop food while eating, or to stop eating entirely. As the infection progresses, tooth roots may become unattached leading to loose teeth or the teeth may fall out. Once bacteria make it to the tooth root, it can now enter the blood stream (bacteremia). And once it reaches the blood stream, this bacteria ultimately can cause damage to your pet's kidneys, heart muscle, and liver.

So how do we keep our pet's teeth clean?
    You have to start with a clean mouth. If you have a puppy or kitten, getting your pet used to daily brushing is the gold standard. If you have an older pet you can get them used to daily brushing as well. However, initially you will probably need to take your pet to your veterinarian to have its teeth cleaned properly, so that you are starting with clean, healthy teeth.
In order for your veterinarian to perform a thorough dental cleaning on you pet, your pet will need to be anesthetized. While under anesthesia your veterinarian may also take radiographs to view any underlying problems such as tooth root loss or abscess pockets. 
What about anesthesia-free dental cleanings?

    Some individuals claim to do anesthesia-free dental cleanings. Often, however, these people are not trained in veterinary dentistry, and the American Veterinary Dental College does not recommend this form of dental cleaning. For a list of reasons why anesthesia-free dentals can be dangerous click here.

Periodontal (gum) disease is the most common disease occurring in dogs and cats.  It's actually a bacterial infection that results from the build-up of dental plaque on teeth near the gum line.  If allowed to accumulate, it can lead to infection of the bone surrounding the teeth. 

Prevention is Your Best Defense
The first step to your pet's optimum oral health is a thorough dental cleaning by your veterinarian, followed by regular annual dental exams.
However, you can then help ensure your pet's continued  good dental health by giving his/her teeth regular brushings several times a week, or even on a daily basis if possible .  
While your pet may not be the most cooperative patient initially, there are some things you can do  to make introducing good oral hygiene to your pet a positive experience.  Our suggested tips include:
First, gradually introduce your pet to brushing by gently massaging the gums with your finger for a few weeks.
When your dog is comfortable having his/her gums massaged, let him/her taste the toothpaste by dabbing it on the lips.  Note:  Since people toothpaste can be harmful to animals, use only toothpaste for canines.
When it's time to introduce the toothbrush, choose one designed for pets, or buy one you can wear on your finger.  Put a little toothpaste on the toothbrush, and brush in a circular motion at a 45-degree angle to the gum line.
Finally, remember to give your pet lots of praise, attention, and affection for a job well done.
What About Supportive Products?
While regular brushing is the cornerstone of good dental health for your pet, special dental diets, chews, and even water additives can also help safeguard your pet's oral health.  For older pets, or pets more prone to dental disease, your veterinarian can always suggest tested and trusted diets and other products to strengthen your pet's oral health program.