Ever get tired of that "doggy" breath or see your cat have
trouble chewing food? More than 80 percent of dogs and cats over
the age of three develop some form of dental disease. Like their
owners, our pets can suffer from gingivitis, loose or infected
teeth, and other oral problems. These conditions can cause
discomfort, painful chewing, and even changes in behavior. There
is also concern that bacteria from mouth infections can spread
through a pet's body, causing harm to the heart, kidneys, and
other vital organs. So, what can we do to prevent dental disease
or slow its progression in our pets? The first step toward a
dental plan is to have your veterinarian do a complete oral exam
on your pet, looking for areas of excessive tartar build-up,
fractured teeth, bleeding gums and ulcerations. If indicated, a
complete dental cleaning should be scheduled. Cleaning will
remove the tartar and plaque, which reduces the bacteria in the
mouth. Dental X-rays will also allow your veterinarian to see
under the gum line wh