What is the major dental problem in dogs and cats?
Domestic dogs and cats need dental care too. In humans, the most common dental problem is caries in the teeth, or cavities. Cavities are rare in dogs and cats. Their big problem is tartar buildup and the consequent irritation to the gums. The tartar builds up and mechanically pushes the gums away from the teeth. This causes the teeth to loosen in their sockets and eventually they will fall out or will need to be extracted. Broken teeth can also become problematic if left untreated. Does tartar cause any other problems? As the gums are being pushed away from the teeth by tartar, large pockets form between the gums and teeth. These pockets become a breeding ground for bacteria. Infection can then enter the teeth causing very painful abscesses. The tartar causes gums to become irritated and raw which also allows for bacterial invasion. It is very easy for these bacteria to then enter the blood stream (this is called bacteremia.) These bacteria traveling through the body can accumulate in
