Within a few hours after your dog eats, the gummy substance called plaque forms on the teeth.  Within 24 hours, the plaque begins to harden by combining with the salts that are present in saliva.  As the plaque continues to accumulate and mineralize, it transforms into tartar.

Tarter forms a rough surface and serves as a place for bacteria to grow and multiply in the mouth.  These bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which often results in bleeding.  If gingivitis worsens, it leads to periodontal disease, which leads to further inflammation, pain and tooth loss.  As tartar builds up along the gum line, it pushes the gums away from the roots of the teeth.  As the gums recede, they expose the sensitive, enamel-free part of the tooth which causes pain.

The bacteria on the tartar can be absorbed into the blood stream and deposited in various organs, including the heart and the kidneys, causing infection.

To protect your dog from gum disease, home dental care is needed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.  You can decrease plaque accumulation by:

• Feeding your dog a veterinary-approved dental diet which slows tartar by mechanical or chemical means. By limiting plaque as it forms, tartar development is greatly diminished.

• Brushing your dog's teeth at least twice weekly. This is one of the most effective ways to remove plaque before it turns into tartar. Do not use human toothpaste as it contains ingredients that can cause an upset stomach when swallowed.
• Using a water additive to reduce the bacterial count in the mouth, resulting in improved breath.

• Offering your dog chew toys and dental treats that are specifically designed to help reduce or remove mild tartar accumulation.

• Having your veterinarian perform a dental cleaning under general anesthesia every 6-12 months at the first sign of tartar buildup. Regular dental cleaning is as important in dogs as it is in people, and will go a long way to prevent irreversible damage to the gums and roots.