Oral health is more important to your dog's overall health than
you may realize. In fact, dental disease (also known as periodontal
disease) is the most commonly reported problem related to a dog's
health. It affects up to 80% of dogs by three years of age.*
*American Veterinary Medical Association
A Common Problem, Often Overlooked
It is important to make sure that your dog receives proper dental care, beginning right when he is a puppy. Dental hygiene is not just about sparkling teeth and fresh breath.
"A good oral health care regime is important to maintaining overall good health in your dog."
The effects of dental neglect can lead to damage to the jawbones and loss of teeth. It may even lead to bacterial infections that can spread to vital organs and cause serious damage. That's why it's crucial that dental check-ups are part of your pet's annual veterinary visit. Brushing your dog's teeth between visits to the vet is also important.
Feeding specially designed oral care treats can also help reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Learn about PEDIGREE® snacks and treats.
Oral Care Terms
A dog's mouth has many different types of bacteria:
Plaque is a soft sticky film that forms when food debris, bacteria
and proteins in the saliva combine and build-up on the tooth
surface.
Tartar (or calculus) occurs when minerals in saliva combine with plaque to form a hardened yellow coloured substance. Over time it may turn brownish red. Tartar adheres strongly to the tooth, requiring significant mechanical abrasion to remove it.
Causes of Dental Disease
Just like humans, dogs accumulate plaque in the mouth from everyday activities like eating. Dental problems are caused when plaque is left to build up and combine with bacteria found in the mouth. As plaque hardens, it forms tartar, which can cause painful reddening and inflammation of the gums (also known as gingivitis).
