The most common form of canine dental disease is tartar buildup. This causes irritation of the gums around the base of the teeth (gingivitis), resulting in exposure of the roots. This leads to infection and tooth loss. Felines most often develop cavities at the gum line that cause the teeth to be painful.

1)  The tartar will mechanically push the gums away from the roots of the teeth. This allows the teeth to loosen in their sockets and infection to enter the root socket. The teeth will loosen and fall out or have to be extracted.  

2)  Infection will accumulate in the mouth, resulting in gingivitis, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis (sore throat). Although antibiotics may temporarily suppress the infection, if the tartar is not removed from the teeth, infection will return quickly.  

3)  Infection within the mouth will be picked up by the blood stream and carried to other parts of the body. Kidney infections, as well as infections involving the heart valves, frequently begin in the mouth.

Dogs and cats have much heavier tartar than most people, extending under the gumline. Visible tartar can be chipped off easily, but the hidden tartar does the damage, and can only be removed under anesthesia. Trying to clean teeth without anesthesia is dangerous to your pet - they won't hold still, and we are using sharp instruments in their mouth, right by their eyes. Dental radiographs are also not possible while awake.

Home care is just as important to a pet's dental health as for a person. Start with brushing on a regular schedule. Once a week isn't enough to prevent tartar buildup; a recent study indicates at least every other day is necessary. Repeat daily if you can.

To get started with brushing, ease into the routine:
Put a small amount of toothpaste in your finger for your pet to lick off. Try different non-foaming and non-fluoride pastes to find one your pet likes.
Wipe the paste on your pet's tongue.
Wipe the paste on the teeth.
Spread the paste on teeth with a finger-brush (over finger tip with soft, rubber nubs).
Brush with pet toothbrush (soft bristles). Focus especially on the outer surfaces of the back teeth (molars).
Follow up brushing with a dental rinse.
At least try to wipe teeth with a washcloth, or a q-tip dipped in tuna water for cats.

The more you do, the better, but anything you do is better than nothing! If you can't brush, at least consider a dental rinse you squirt on the teeth or an additive in the drinking water. We have a diet called Hills t/d which makes great daily treats that help slow tartar buildup. Look for the VOHC seal on dental products (Veterinary Oral Health Council).