CANINE DENTAL DISEASE:
What You Should Know

• Gum disease is the most common health problem in pet dogs and cats.
• Over 80% of dogs over three years old have some form of periodontal disease.
• Common signs of periodontal disease include:
  • bad breath
  • bleeding gums
  • gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
  • root exposure
  • receding gums
  • chronic sneezing
  • bone loss
  • loose teeth that lead to eventual tooth loss
• Stages of gum disease:

• Stage I – Plaque, a soft, sticky mixture of bacteria and food, forms on the tooth along the gum line. If not removed, plaque hardens onto the tooth, forming tartar where more bacteria tends to grow.
  
  A regular dental care program at this point can help prevent further dental disease. Give your dog Easy Brush every other day to remove plaque and help prevent tartar build-up.

• Stage II – Bacteria inflames the gums, causing them to become red and swollen. This gum inflammation is called “gingivitis.”
  
  This stage is reversible with proper treatment by a veterinarian. Antibiotics do not cure periodontal disease.

• Stage III – Gingivitis becomes more severe, and the gums may bleed with even slight pressure. Bacteria invade the space between the tooth and gum and weaken the tooth’s attachment.
• Stage IV –Teeth become loose or even fall out, bone loss begins to occur, and the infection may spread through the blood stream.
  
  These last two stages hold a guarded to grave prognosis for teeth based on their degree of attachment loss, the owner’s ability to provide home care, and the veterinarian’s scope of treatment options
• Over time, periodontal disease affects the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys as toxins and bacteria leech into the bloodstream.

• Prevention is the best treatment of all. Plaque removal through brushing prevents or delays the onset of gum disease.

Home | Dog Dental Care | About Easy Brush | Consumer Feedback | Promotions | Contact Us | Where To Buy
© 2005-2007 Farnam Companies, Inc.