Those teeth then must last that dog the duration of its life, possibly 15 years or more. Now let's pretend that you brush your teeth before going to bed tonight, and don't brush them again until October 21, 2013. That is the exact scenario that most dogs experience. Dental disease is the most common condition seen in our canine patients. These bacteria gain access to the bloodstream, and can infect the heart, kidneys, and spine.
Dental disease begins with plaque .
Plaque is the film of bacteria that colonizes the tooth surface within a few hours of brushing the teeth. That is what you can feel on your teeth in the morning. The bacteria can also adhere to the tooth surface below the gum line. This is the beginning of periodontal disease . The bacteria damage the gum tissue, as well as the connective tissues that anchor the teeth in the jaw.