Did you know that poor dental hygiene can result in periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth that goes through progressive stages.
Periodontal disease begins with plaque. When bacteria attaches to the teeth and dies, it becomes rigid by the calcium in saliva. Tartar is a hard, rough substance that is then formed which allows more plaque to accumulate.
Plaque is a huge issue that can lead to gingivitis, and inflammation of the gums. The gums will become red and swollen and be prone to bleeding. Professional cleaning is needed as plaque and calculus develop below the gum line. If the buildup continues to go unchecked, infection can form around the root of the tooth.
The tissues surrounding the tooth can become destroyed in the final stages of periodontal disease. In this final stage, the bony socket holding the tooth erode, and the tooth becomes loose. This can be a very painful process for your pet.
The good news is that these problems can be averted with proper dental care.