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Dental Care:

Have you considered that your pet needs dental care, just like you do? Pets can develop dental disease and other problems, the same as you. Regular dental checkups and proper dental care at home can help prevent these problems.

If your pet has bad breath or reddened gums, it could be gingivitis. Soft plaque hardens into tartar which irritates the guns. This can lead to periodontal disease, which can cause bleeding gums, loss of teeth and infection in the heart and kidneys if left untreated. Gingivitis also makes it painful for your pet to eat.

Your veterinarian will probably use a general anesthesia before cleaning your pets teeth. Just like when you go to the dentist for a cleaning, your vet does the same types of procedures to your pet. The teeth are cleaned, removing pieces of tartar, and a scaler is used to remove tartar from crevices.

Your pets teeth are then polished, which smoothes out any scratches. The gums are washed and he is given a flouride treatment.

You should brush your pet's teeth at home, using a piece of gauze or washcloth around your finger. Wipe his teeth, front and back. Give your pet a reward when you are done. You can use a soft toothbrush once he accepts the cleanings from you. You can try using a small amount of dog or cat toothpaste - never use human toothpaste - it will irritate your pet's stomach.

Brush the front teeth, then the large upper and lower teeth in the back.Brush your pet's teeth at night, and do it at least every three days.