Click here to view a before and after photo of a dental cleaning performed at our animal hospital.
From the American Veterinary Dental Society:
Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria from the mouth form on the teeth in a substance called plaque. The plaque makes it's way under the gumline and sets in motion a vicious circle, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. The bacteria in the subgingival plaque will secrete toxins. These toxins damage the periodontal tissues and can decrease the attachment. However, the bacteria will also elicit an inflammatory response from the animal's gingival tissues. White blood cells and other inflammatory mediators will leak out of the periodontal tissues and into the periodontal space (between the gum or bone and the tooth). The white blood cells will release their enzymes to destroy the bacterial invaders, but will also damage the attachment of the tooth. As this progresses, the pocket will get deeper and deeper. This will weaken the bone in the area, and if it is in the lower jaw it can weaken it to the point of causing a pathologic fracture. The end stage of this disease is tooth loss, however the disease has caused problems well before this.
To read more, please visit...
http://www.avds-online.org/info/periodontaldisease.html
Remember to care for your pet's teeth, as well as come in for routine exams so that we can examine them and determine if a dental cleaning is needed. | 
