Does your pet have bad breath and/or reddened gums?  If so, it could be from gingivitis.  Gingivitis occurs when soft plaque hardens into rough, irritating tartar.  Tartar build-up on your pet's teeth can cause damage to the teeth and gums.  If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to an infection called periodontal disease.  This disease can cause the loss of teeth.

Periodontal disease also provides a doorway for bacteria to enter into your pet's blood stream.  Bacteria travels to the kidneys, liver and heart valves causing tissue damage.  Research has shown that animals with severe periodontal disease can have their life expectancy shortened by as much as two years!

Periodically, your dog, cat, or ferret may require a dental prophylaxis to treat gingivitis and its complications.  Take a tour to see what is actually involved in a dental prophylaxis; to begin, just click on Step 1.