As a responsible pet owner, you owe it to your pet to take her dental care seriously, both professionally and at home. If you start as early as possible in your dog's life getting her accustomed to having her mouth handled, then dental care should be as easy as feeding her. It's periodontal disease. Eighty percent of domestic dogs three years and older are affected by infection of the gums. Yet it's one of the most overlooked problems by pet owners.
Periodontal disease starts with plaque.
This is the white film that accumulates on our teeth. As the tartar builds, the plaque continues to accumulate and infect the gums. This infection can eventually enter the bloodstream and cause disease in the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. Unfortunately, periodontal disease cannot be reversed. It can, however, be slowed or stopped with proper dental care.