Build-up of tartar and bacteria causes a veritable cesspool from which the blood stream drains infection. These bacteria may go to all organs of the body and cause serious infections. Since tartar and calculus cannot be brushed away, ultrasonic scaling, polishing and extractions may be required. A dental is a short procedure, however, and with today's safe anesthetics, should not be a major cause for concern. Since it is preferable to avoid anesthetic procedures wherever possible, preventive measures are particularly important.
Most veterinarians recommend tooth brushing, mouthwashes, and special tartar control diets.
Most also recommend dry commercial diets, but holistic veterinarians have found that dry diets not only do nothing to help the teeth, they may contribute to other problems, as well. Dry food is actually just hard enough to lodge under the gums and provide the perfect breeding ground for tartar causing bacteria. Many veterinarians also recommend rawhide chews, and a study indicated that rawhide chews prevent tartar better than dry dog biscuits, as well. One of the best dental health measures for dogs and cata is a regular treat of tough, nearly raw meat. Very loose teeth in small dogs have been observed to become tighter in their sockets, and raw meat also seems to help scrape some tartar away.