Cat and Dog Bad Breath

1.Information 2.Diseases 3.Warning Signs 4. Getting Started

 

How bad can these diseases be?

If left untreated, oral diseases in pets can lead to further health problems. These types of diseases can also affect your pet's immune system which in turn lowers their resistance and their ability to fight other diseases and infections.

It all starts with a build up of plaque. Saliva and food particles start the formation of plaque on teeth which attracts bacteria, food particles and other oral debris. Calcium in the saliva and minerals in drinking water soon turn the plaque into tarter, a yellow and/or brownish colored build up on teeth. This hardened tarter can form quickly in the natural small pockets where an animal's gums meet their teeth (called the gingival sulcus). This is the most important area to keep clean. If this tarter is not removed from the tooth it can eventually build up and cause the gums to separate from the tooth which in turn allows more bacteria and food to accumulate.

This build up can quickly cause periodontal disease which is a disease that affects the gums and tissue that supports the tooth to the jaw (known as the periodontal ligament). This disease causes red, swollen and receding gums. Pain, bleeding gums, bad breath and eventual tooth loss accompany periodontal disease.

Bacteria can now enter the bloodstream through these infected areas as well as the periodontal ligament. This bacteria can cause problems and serious infections in the kidneys, liver and heart.

Routine brushing can remove the softer plaque, but once plaque hardens into tartar, or calculus, it must be scrapped off the tooth. Acidic conditions in the mouth can help to soften the tarter, but it can only be removed by scrapping. Dry food, therefore, can only do so much to help reduce plaque and tarter

 

Continue on to: Warning Signs.

 

 

See our oral hygiene solution page for solutions to your pet's oral health needs.

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