One of the most important things you can do to insure your pet's health is to provide regular dental care. Believe it or not, the teeth in your pet's mouth are not much different than your own, and the same level of care should be used when addressing your pet's oral care.
As you can imagine, if your teeth were not brushed regularly, they would not look or feel very healthy. Even with regular brushing, your teeth need to be professionally cleaned usually once a year. The same is true with your pet, be it a dog or cat. Today, veterinarians see more cases of periodontal (gum) disease than nearly any other form of disease. This condition is due to plaque and tartar buildup on your pet's teeth. Germs that are harbored in plaque then infect the gums, teeth roots, and the underlying bones. Because in many stages of periodontal disease, your pet may experience bleeding associated with the gums, the same bacteria can enter the blood stream causing heart, liver and kidney disease.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to help prevent pet dental disease and its associated conditions. Many of the same preventative measures you do for your own teeth can be applied to caring for your pet's teeth as well. These steps are discussed more in depth in the sections listed below.
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