Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue by bacteria. It all begins with Plaque! Plaque and tartar form naturally when food remains in the cracks of the teeth, especially at the gum line. Canned food sticks easier, so it is more likely to cause plaque. At this stage the plaque is still soft, and brushing or chewing hard food and toys can remove it. If it is left to spread, plaque can lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, causing them to become red and swollen and painful. Plaque soon hardens into tartar that forms a wedge separating the tooth from the gum. If the plaque and tartar buildup continue, pus can form at the root of the tooth. This is the most advanced stage, showing up as loose teeth, bleeding gums and pain anytime your pet tries to eat. Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated. The keys to your pet's oral health are professional veterinary dental care and good care at home. Too few pets receive both and most don't receive either. You can change that today!
Step 1. Visit your veterinarian.
In addition to a physical examination and medical history, our doctors will examine your pet's teeth and gums. Recommendations may be made for cleaning, polishing, and other dental care in the hospital, or the veterinarian may suggest a program of home dental care.
Step 2. Professional dental care:
Presurgical blood work. These blood tests evaluate the blood cell count, liver and kidney function. They determine which anesthetic protocol we use.
IV Fluids. These help maintain your pet's blood pressure during anesthesia, provide IV access in the event of an emergency, and help metabolize the anesthesia.
General anesthesia and monitoring by a Licensed Veterinary Technician. We carefully monitor every pet under anesthesia.
Oral examination under general anesthesia. We examine individual teeth for mobility, fractures, malocclusion, and periodontal disease (probe for pocket depths after calculus is removed).
Plaque and tartar removal using calculus removing forceps, hand instruments, and power scaling equipment.
Polishing. Regardless of how careful we are during the scaling/curettage phase of teeth cleaning, minor defects of the tooth surface occur. Polishing smoothes out the defects and removes plaque missed during previous steps. Polishing paste is used on a polishing cup for the procedure.
Irrigation. With irrigation, diseased tissue and plaque are removed from the pocket or sulcus. Water spray and/or a 0.1-0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate solution are commonly used.
Post cleaning examination and diagnostics. After cleaning each tooth is examined individually.
Step 3. Dental care at home.
For cats and dogs, regular brushing is an important part of any preventive dental program. A special toothbrush and toothpaste for pets are recommended. Our staff can show you the proper way to brush your pet's teeth.
Teeth Brushing
The most important area to focus on is the gum line, where bacteria and food mix to form plaque. Start slowly to get your pet used to the idea of home dental care. Gently rub a finger along the gums and teeth. Once your pet is okay with a little bit of touching, gradually introduce gauze over your finger, and rub the teeth and gums in a circular fashion. Try it with a toothbrush specially designed for pets, or a very soft, ultra-sensitive toothbrush designed for people. Use pet toothpaste , but never use people toothpaste or baking soda, as both will upset your pet's stomach. The entire process should only take a minute or two. With plenty of praise and reassurance, your dental sessions can forever banish the term dog breath. | 
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Sand Creek Animal Hospital
