Imagine what would happen if you didn’t brush your teeth regularly. The same applies to your pet’s teeth. Regular dental care is as important for your pet as it is for you.

Did you know that periodontal disease is the most common infectious disease in both dogs and cats? In fact, 85% of adult pets have some form of periodontal disease. If left untreated, that can mean pain, bad breath and tooth loss for your pet. Chronic infection in the oral cavity can spread harmful bacteria to the bloodstream and infect the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. One milligram of plaque alone contains over 1 trillion bacteria—bacteria that can cause disease. Fortunately, most periodontal disease can be prevented by daily plaque removal and regular professional care. 

Canine	Feline
		Stage I Gingivitis Margin of attached gingiva (gum) is inflamed and swollen. Plaque covering teeth. Treatment can reverse condition.
		Stage II Early Periodontitis Entire attached gum is inflamed and swollen. Mouth is painful and odor begins to be noticeable. Professional treatment and home dental care can prevent this from becoming irreversible.
		Stage III Moderate Periodontitis Cherry red and bleeding attached gum is being destroyed by infection and calculus (tartar). Sore mouth affects eating and behavior. Bad breath is present. Beginning of periodontal disease. May be irreversible.
		Stage IV Advanced Periodontitis Chronic bacterial infection is destroying the gum, tooth and bone. Bacteria may be spreading throughout the entire body via the bloodstream and may damage the kidneys, liver and heart.

Many times, a scaling and polishing must be done to remove tartar and plaque.  By examining your pet, we can better advise you as to whether your pet needs to have his or her teeth cleaned in the hospital before beginning a dental maintenance program. At Hwy30vet.com we follow the 3 easy steps developed by our Pet Dental products supplier, C.E.T. Dental...

Click the Paw to learn the Steps...