Video Transcript
Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on the teeth surface within a few hours after a meal.
Within 24 hours, plaque begins to harden by combining with minerals in saliva, primarily calcium, and eventually transforms into tartar. Tartar is a porous and jagged substance that can form above and below the gumline.
Tartar acts as a protective shield for harmful bacteria allowing them to rapidly grow and multiply at the gumline. When bacteria accumulate at the gumline, they inflame the gums, an early condition called gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis include inflamed, painful, and bleeding gums.
Inflamed gums provide access to harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to other vital organs such as the heart causing systemic issues in dogs and cats.
If gingivitis goes untreated, it can turn into periodontal disease where gums become even more painful, inflamed, and start to recede, which could eventually result in teeth loss. Many pet parents have no idea how quickly and seriously periodontal disease can affect not just their pets’ teeth but also their pets’ overall health by causing systemic issues in their pets.