- Gum disease is the most common health problem in pet dogs and cats.
- Over 80% of dogs over three years old have some form of periodontal disease.

Common signs of periodontal disease include:
- bad breath
- bleeding gums
- gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
- root exposure
- receding gums
- chronic sneezing
- bone loss
- loose teeth that lead to eventual tooth loss

Stages of gum disease:
Stage I – Plaque, a soft, sticky mixture of bacteria and food, forms on the tooth along the gum line. If not removed, plaque hardens onto the tooth, forming tartar where more bacteria tends to grow.

A regular dental care program at this point can help prevent further dental disease. Give your dog Easy Brush every other day to remove plaque and help prevent tartar build-up.

Stage II – Bacteria inflames the gums, causing them to become red and swollen. This gum inflammation is called “gingivitis.” This stage is reversible with proper treatment by a veterinarian. Antibiotics do not cure periodontal disease.

Stage III – Gingivitis becomes more severe, and the gums may bleed with even slight pressure. Bacteria invade the space between the tooth and gum and weaken the tooth’s attachment.

Stage IV –Teeth become loose or even fall out, bone loss begins to occur, and the infection may spread through the blood stream.

These last two stages hold a guarded to grave prognosis for teeth based on their degree of attachment loss, the owner’s ability to provide home care, and the veterinarian’s scope of treatment options.

Over time, periodontal disease affects the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys as toxins and bacteria leech into the bloodstream.
Prevention is the best treatment of all. Plaque removal through brushing prevents or delays the onset of gum disease.