DENTAL HEALTH FACTS

Bacteria grow on the tooth surface and form a coating called plaque. Toxins produced by the bacteria irritate the gums. With time, the plaque hardens and becomes what is called tartar or calculus. Once the plaque and tartar forms, the gums become tender, red and swollen.

Infected gums pull away from the teeth creating additional pockets to trap food and provide a place for more bacteria to grow. As these pockets deepen, the development of plaque and tartar can progress along the root of the tooth, causing the tooth to loosen.

Once the gums have reached this stage of disease, chewing and eating will cause the gums to easily bleed. Bacteria from the plaque and tartar accumulation can enter the your pet's bloodstream.

Bacteria circulates in the bloodstream infecting major organs in the body. The organs that are susceptible to infection from circulating bacteria released from gum infection are the lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and, in some cases the nervous system.

PREVENTION >