For most of us, caring for our teeth and gums has been part of our daily routine for as long as we can remember. Just like you, your pet needs dental care, too- regular, professional care from your veterinarian and effective daily home care to keep your pet's mouth healthy.

 Causes of Periodontal Disease

 Plaque is a colorless film that contains large amounts of bacteria. If left unchecked, plaque builds up, creating infection, destroying gums and resulting in the loss of the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

Signs of Periodontal Disease

*Bad breath

*Tooth loss

*Yellow-brown crust on teeth

*Bleeding gums

*Change of chewing or eating habits

*Change in behavior

*Abnormal drooling

Contributing Factors

Poor Oral Hygiene: Ignoring the condition of your pet's mouth can lead to periodontal disease,tooth loss and other serious health problems, such as heart, liver and kidney failure.

Breed: Periodontal disease is more common in smaller breeds of dogs and certain breeds of cats.

Age: Periodontal disease is more common as pets grow older.

Tips on Home Care

*Feed a dental food to ensure your pet receives good oral care every day

*Watch your pet for the warning signs of periodontal disease

*Inspect your pet's mouth regularly

*If you brush your pet's teeth, it's best to introduce the pratice gradually and early; training may take several days or weeks

*Never brush your pet's teeth with toothpaste designed for people. It contains ingredients that may upset your pet's stomach

Steps to Better Oral Care

1. Visit Your Veterinarian : Every regular exam in our clinic includes a thorough dental exam. if we find signs of disease, we will recommend a treatment plan. It is important for the overall health of your pet that we take care of any dental problems we find. We will also recommend a home care plan that is a key part of keeping your pet healthy.

2. Start An Oral Care Routine At Home : Plaque should be removed from your pet's teeth every day before it mineralizes into tartar. Brushing you pet's teeth or feeding a dental food each day will control plaque buildup. Be sure the dental food you use offers total balanced nutrition for whole health. Ask us about the best methods of home care for your pet.

3. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups : We monitor the progress of your pet's preventive program, so regular dental checkups are essential, just as twice-a-year checkups are important for people. For pets who form tartar quickly or those with a history of oral problems, frequent examinations and cleanings may be advised.