“Dogs and cats do not have self-cleaning teeth,” says Dr. Bernadine Cruz of Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Woods, California. “If their teeth are not taken care of properly, a large percentage of pets will have some type of dental disease by 4 years of age.” Fortunately, caring for your pet’s teeth can be as easy as caring for your own.

Dental woes are more than just a toothache; they can also pose a serious threat to your pet’s well-being. That is because the condition of your pet’s teeth and gums can directly affect her overall health. Read on to learn about the top four signs of poor dental hygiene and the best ways to combat them.

#1 BAD BREATH
How often have you gotten eye to eye with a furry friend only to be put off by her breath? We usually explain away a pet’s bad breath as simply being “dog breath” or “cat breath,” as if it is a normal part of her being. However, unless your pet has just eaten something stinky such as tuna, it is important to recognize that bad breath is not normal and usually indicates a problem with her dental health.

#2 DISCOLORED TEETH
Healthy canine and feline teeth are white. Any discolorations or stains should be examined by your veterinary team. In addition, buildup or darker areas on your pet’s teeth, particularly around the gumline, is another sign that something isn’t right with her dental health.

#3 RED, SWOLLEN, OR BLEEDING GUMS
Healthy gums are pink. Gums that are red and swollen or are bleeding need attention.

#4 LOOSE TEETH
Unless your pet’s jaw has been injured, loose teeth can be an indication of bone loss. You can determine if teeth are loose by gently pressing on them.

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
All of the above problems are signs of periodontal disease, a disease that attacks the gums and teeth and can cause potentially life-threatening infections. Here is how it happens: Plaque builds up on your pet’s teeth after eating. If it is not brushed away within 24 to 36 hours, it hardens into a yellow or brown substance called tartar, which can only be removed by a veterinarian. Over time, tartar that remains on your pet’s teeth also builds up under the gums. Tartar and bacteria eventually separate the gums from the teeth, forming gaps or pockets that encourage even more bacterial growth. At later stages of the disease, surgery may be needed to repair the damage, and affected teeth may need to be pulled.

Periodontal disease is painful for your pet and can lead to abscesses and loss of bone and teeth. It also presents other health risks. “If left untreated, dental disease can spread infection throughout the body,” explains Dr. Cruz. “The gums act as a boundary between your pet’s mouth and the rest of her body. When the health of the gums is compromised, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause infection in your pet’s joints, liver, lungs, kidneys, and heart.”

PREVENTION IS THE KEY
The good news is that you can prevent periodontal disease in your pet. Caring for her dental health really comes down to three simple steps:

• Have your pet’s teeth cleaned professionally by your veterinarian on a regular basis.
• Brush your pet’s teeth daily to help remove the buildup of plaque.
• Pay attention to your pet’s dental health. Check on her teeth and her gums regularly.

VISIT YOUR VETERINARIAN
The first step in ensuring that your pet’s teeth are taken care of is to take her for professional dental cleanings. “A professional cleaning is an excellent way to prevent a health problem before it starts,” says Dr. Cruz.