As calcium salts are deposited, the plaque becomes tartar. The buildup of bacteria, plaque, and tartar causes inflammation of the gingiva, or gums, a condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible and can be treated with thorough cleaning and continued plaque control. If the tartar is not removed from your pet's teeth, pockets of pus may appear along the gum line and separate the tooth from the gum and underlying bone. This condition is called periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is more severe than gingivitis and is irreversible.
However, the progression of periodontal disease can be stopped with cleaning and plaque control. Symptoms include yellow and brown build-up of tartar along the gumline, red, swollen, tender gums, receding gums, oral pain and dysfunction, and persistent bad breath. It may increase the risk for disease in the heart, liver, and kidneys. Oral disease may also affect your pet's behavior and sociability with others. Small breed dogs are more prone to periodontal disease than large dogs because the teeth are often too large for their small mouths resulting in crowding of the teeth and rapid plaque accumulation.