Periodontal Disease: The Beginning

Food first accumulates between the tooth and gum forming a substance called "plaque."  If the plaque is not removed, it will allow bacterial growth. This bacterium is the start of Periodontal Disease.

The bacteria invade the gums, leading to inflammation and the formation of another substance called "calculus."  Calculus is a hard, irritating substance that can be best removed at your pet hospital in a procedure called "scaling."  If this is not done, pus pockets will form around the root of the tooth, causing further separation of the tooth and gum and possibly destroying bone that holds the teeth.  At this point, the tooth can no longer be saved.

Untreated Periodontal Disease will leave your pet with a constant source of infection that can spread throughout the body through the bloodstream.  It can enter the bloodstream through the bleeding gums caused by the infection. 

Heart, liver, and kidney problems may often result.  Proper care of the mouth preventing these conditions can add years to the life of your pet and certainly make it more comfortable and pleasant to be around.

Preventing Periodontal Disease should be a major concern for you. The best prevention is proper dental hygiene to promote teeth and gum health and slow the rate of tartar formation.