According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3. Indications of oral disease include bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face or mouth, or depression. If your pet is older than 1 year, or if any of these signs are present, he or she should be brought in for a dental exam.

Just as in humans, bacteria, saliva, and food accumulate on your pet's teeth, leading to the formation of plaque. If plaque is not removed with frequent brushing, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) can develop, and the plaque will develop into tartar as calcium salts are deposited and the bacteria multiply. If the tartar is not removed, pockets of pus can appear along the gum line, allowing even more food and bacteria to accumulate. Without proper dental care, plaque and tartar buildup can lead to periodontal disease. Unlike gingivitis (which is reversible), periodontitis is not reversible, and can only be closely managed to prevent its progression. Periodontitis causes red, swollen and tender gums, gum recession, bleeding, pain and bad breath. If left untreated, periodontitis can result in tooth loss. Symptoms of periodontal disease include yellow/brown tartar buildup along the gum line, red inflamed gums, and persistent bad breath. The infection caused by periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream, and potentially affect the heart, liver and kidneys.

Periodontal disease is common in dogs, particularly in small breeds. Because their mouths are smaller, the teeth may be forced closer together, which allows even more food and bacteria to become trapped. However, periodontal disease is common in medium and large breed dogs as well.

Periodontal disease is also common in cats, but in addition to periodontal disease, cats can also develop painful "cat cavities," technically called feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs). Studies show that if your cat is older than five years old, there is a 72% likelihood that he or she has a FORL. Signs that your cat may have one of these "cat cavities" include drooling, bleeding from the mouth, or difficulty chewing. It is important to realize, however, that a majority of affected cats do not show obvious signs but are indeed experiencing pain.

In order to help prevent oral disease, we recommend: