Keeping your dog’s
teeth and gums clean and healthy is essential
to his overall health.
Bacteria and food debris form plaque, which
builds up around teeth and gum line. Mixed
with saliva, plaque hardens into tartar and
cements itself onto teeth.
Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria
in plaque and tartar attacks your dog’s
gums, ligament and bone around his teeth,
causing pain, inflammation and bad breath.
Eighty percent of dogs over three years old
have some sort of periodontal disease.* The
older the dog gets, the more susceptible
he becomes to periodontal infections.
The more plaque build up, the more bacteria
infects the mouth. If left untreated, oral
bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel
to other vital organs, potentially damaging
the lungs, liver, kidneys and heart.
Periodontal disease can be prevented by
regular brushing. This reduces the amount
of plaque and bacteria in your dog’s
mouth, and helps keep his breath fresh.
Before you start a regular brushing program,
have your dog’s teeth professionally
cleaned by your veterinarian. This procedure
thoroughly removes tough tarter and plaque,
so you can start your brushing program with
a clean slate.
*Shojai, Amy D., “Compete
Care For Your Aging Dog; New American Library,
2003 pg 179 |
