Dogs and cats are susceptible to the same tooth and gum problems people are - namely gingivitis and periodontal disease, caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar.

Gum Disease Effects the Whole Body
Having your pet's teeth cleaned if they are bad could improve their health and even reverse heart problems.
Gum disease can quickly lead to heart disease and other problems. At the same time, poor health and depressed immune function can make periodontal diseases worse.

Genetics Plays a Part
Small dogs have more trouble with their teeth than large dogs. For one thing they often have crowded teeth, which accelerates plaque build-up. Since their teeth are smaller, gum disease can travel to the root canal faster, and therefore infect other organs sooner.

Siamese cats are particularly prone to gum problems.

Prevention is Key
Gum disease can be prevented by daily tooth brushing.If you're not quite up to that, once or twice a week is better than not at all.

There are a number of chew products, treats and foods on the market that may help some dogs. Chewing on raw carrots or Rope Toys often loosens tartar as well.

Some products are treated with enzymes that help dissolve the plaque.
These measures will usually help to prolong the interval between cleanings, not eliminate the need altogether.

People who feed their dogs raw food, especially raw bones, say that their dogs have white teeth even without brushing. Some dogs just have good genes, and have great teeth with no special intervention.

Don't be Afraid to Look!
Pet owners can learn to inspect their dog or cat's teeth. Get the animal used to allowing you to open its mouth first. Cat's are usually more reluctant than dogs to allow this.

When you can hold the mouth open for thirty seconds or so, you can look at the teeth and gums.

Watch for redness along the gum line, swelling and odor.

Doggie breath is not normal!

Unpleasant mouth odor can be a sign of other diseases besides gum trouble, so if your pet has very bad breath all the time, it would be a good idea to see the vet even if its teeth look fine.

In addition to checking the gums, look for cracked, worn or broken teeth. If the dog or cat isn't eating, this could be a sign of tooth problems also.

Cats may stop grooming themselves, or drool excessively if they have broken or sore teeth.

Start Early and Check Often
Dental care should start early in life. The American Veterinary Dental Society estimates that more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop gum disease by the time they are three years old.

Most vets would agree that the time to bring your pet in for a cleaning is when you first see tartar on the teeth.

Brush!
If you've never brushed your pet's teeth, you will want to begin slowly. Start with touching the mouth, gently lifting the lips. Move up to rubbing the teeth and gums with your finger.

You may want to wrap your finger with some gauze. You can dip it in something good tasting if need be, tuna juice for cats or broth for dogs are good choices.

Once you can rub all the teeth with your fingers you can switch to a finger brush or regular pet toothbrush.

Use a brush and toothpaste made for pets, or a soft child's brush. Most vets will have brushes they will give you, along with samples of toothpaste for pets.

Don't use people toothpaste, as it can be irritating to the dog's stomach, and the smell will repel most cats.

You can actually brush the teeth without opening the animal's mouth. All you really need to do is move the lip aside so you can see the teeth. The outer surface is all that you will need to brush in most cases.

Reward the dog or cat after every session so they will look forward to it. My dog Sunshine often came into the bathroom when I was brushing my own teeth and sat down to wait for her turn!

Your vet may offer a discount on dental services during the month of February, which is National Pet Dental Health month.

To learn more about pet dental care, click here.

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