Take care of Fido's teeth

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You probably wouldn't let a visit to the dentist fall by the wayside if it was your appointment, or a checkup for one of your kids. Guess what? Your dog needs those scheduled dental examinations just as much as you do.

Just like humans, a healthy mouth in your dog will lead to better health and an improved quality of life. To help you and your veterinarian provide the best dental care possible for the canine members of your clan, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has provided a list of guidelines that will help you to ensure that your dog's mouth stays as healthy as it can be.

Despite the fact that proper dental care is essential to good health in your dog, statistics show that two-thirds of all pet owners do not take care of their pets' teeth as recommended by their veterinarians. The unfortunate result of this lack of dental care is shown in the 80% of all dogs that have symptoms of oral disease by their third birthdays. Because dental problems can affect other areas of your dog's body, including the lungs, kidneys and heart, it is essential that you care for your pet's teeth right from the very start of his life. These AAHA guidelines will help you to do just that.

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease can become a major problem for your dog if left unchecked. The first sign of trouble is often acute "doggy" breath, so if you begin to notice this issue, contact your veterinarian for a dental exam.

The first stage of periodontal disease is generally plaque, or a bacterial film on the surface of the teeth. In the early stages, plaque can be easily dislodged when you brush your dog's teeth, or when he chews on hard toys or food. If the plaque is not removed at this stage, the bacteria will attach to the teeth and become calcified through the calcium in your dog's saliva. This hard surface becomes tartar, and more plaque will accumulate on top of it. Unchecked plaque can lead to gingivitis, which is recognized by red, swollen, and inflamed gums that will bleed easily.

Once your dog reaches this stage of plaque, it will take a professional cleaning to get the tartar off of his teeth and heal his gums. If the plaque is not taken care of at this point, an infection can form around the root of the tooth. Progression will include the deterioration of the tissue surrounding the tooth, the erosion of the tooth socket, and a loose tooth. This process is  [Continued]

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