Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/932507
SignatureMT | 101 • Yellow-brown crust on teeth • Bleeding gums • Change of chewing or eating habits Oral disease starts with the buildup of bacteria. Once this bacteria combines with saliva and food, it can cause plaque formations that begin to accumulate on the teeth and eventually form tartar. Tartar is difficult to remove by hand and needs specialized dental scalers to get rid of. • Bad breath is not normal and is a sign of serious oral infection. • Most animals have at least one painful tooth and no way to communicate. • Dental infections can affect the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. • Dental disease is the most common problem of dogs and cats, yet is commonly overlooked. By cleaning your pet's teeth yearly you are decreasing the risk of dental disease that can lead to infection in other parts of the body. Often times, chronic urinary tract infections, chronic skin infections and constant gastrointestinal issues have all been linked to an infection in the mouth. By keeping the mouth clean and healthy, the entire body stays healthy. So, to keep your pet smiling, schedule regular veterinary dental exams! MT S Before dental cleaning: Notice the red, swollen gums as well as the buildup of tartar and calculus on the tooth. After dental cleaning: Notice the much better condition of the gums as well as the cleaner tooth. Your pet's teeth should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet's mouth healthy. ~ Shane Klippenes is a husband to a woman that he still wonders how he landed, Father to 3 teenage daughters who are tougher than him, a Fire Captain / Paramedic, outdoorsman, author, speaker and all-season explorer of Montana's wilder places. www.blackleafwriting.com / Instagram @g ffr35