DOGGY BREATH - CARING FOR DOGS TEETH

Bye-Bye Doggy Breath -- Dental Care for Dogs

Author: Marian Brown

Dental care in dogs and cats has become quite common

over the last six years. Like humans, dog teeth

and gums are also susceptible to the same oral health problems -

Gingivitis and Periodontal disease.

Unlike humans, animals rarely get cavities.

This is because cavities are primarily caused by the

high sugar content of the human diet.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria and plaque

which attach the soft gum tissue of the mouth.

The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis.

This is very common. In this stage, the bacteria have mixed

with saliva and formed plaque. The plaque adheres to the teeth

and hardens, forming tartar and calculus.

These tartar deposits irritate the gum tissue and cause

inflammation, swelling and infection.

It is this stage that gingivitis is most notable.

Early warning signs of gingivitis are sensitive gum tissue,

redness or bleeding gums, trouble eating/chewing and

bad breath. Yes, the dreaded "doggy breath"!

The breath may take on a sulfur (rotting eggs) odor from the

by-products of the bacteria in the mouth.

This is often the first sign of gingivitis and serious dental problems.

There are now pet oral hygiene solutions on the market

that can be added to pets' drinking water. These are convenient to use

and are formulated for animals. Owner compliance with these

programs, unlike with daily brushing, is much higher.

They are odorless and colorless.

Marian Brown has been active in holistic health

care for over 20 years. She is editor of Holistic Health News.

Visit our site at http://www.hhnews.com

for more information!