Wednesday, March 28, 2007

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!

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