Did you know.....

• ....more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of 3 years old have some stage of periodontal disease?
• ....only 2% of pet owners brush their pets teeth?
• ....if caught in the earliest stages with a dental cleaning, periodontal disease is reversible?
• ....3 to 5 days after plaque forms, tartar is already beginning to mineralize?
• ....bad "dog breath" is not normal?

 

 

Here are some pictures showing before and after a dental cleaning to give you an idea of the real difference it makes.

Note in the before pictures below, gingivitis is present, there is plaque and tartar build-up. In the after pictures, all tartar and plaque have been scaled off, and the teeth have been polished. Notice the difference in the look of the gums. The inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) is already decreased immediately after cleaning.

Before                                                                                           After            

Before                                                                                           After

Before                                                                                           After

 

 

 

 

The image to the left is a before picture, an after picture was not taken. Notice the severe build-up of tartar on all the teeth. This dog had a severe case of periodontal disease and had numerous extractions.

 

 

 

 

 

Small dogs tend to have more problems with tartar build-up and periodontal disease. They have the same number of teeth in a smaller mouth, which leads to more crowding and advantages for tartar and plaque to build.

The picture to the right is of a 7 year old miniature pinscher. She ended up needing 7 extractions, some of which the teeth were almost out already. She had severe tartar build-up and gingivitis and 4 teeth that were already missing. She had no prior at home dental care or professional care for her teeth.

 

 

As gingivitis builds the gums become sore. This could lead to problems chewing, which in turn could lead to digestion issues. With tartar and plaque build-up on the teeth, and working its way under the gum line, bacteria works its way into the blood stream and can compromise the heart, liver and kidneys. In the mouth the bacteria begins to wear away the structures that hold the teeth in place. Such as weakening of the periodontal ligaments, which causes the teeth to become loose and possibly fall out. Deeper down there could be bone damage to the jaw bones, which could lead to a broken jaw.

 

How long would you want to go without brushing YOUR teeth?

 

 

Ideally, you want to start brushing your pet's teeth when they are a

puppy or kitten, however, animals of any age can get used to it.

Click here to see some tips on how to get an easier start.