After your pet eats, food particles stick between their teeth, attracting bacteria that form plaque. If not cleaned, plaque hardens into tartar, causing gum inflammation and dental disease. This can lead to:
- Painful, bleeding gums
- Loose or missing teeth
- Tooth root abscesses
- Oro-nasal fistulas (holes between the mouth and nose)
- Oral tumors
- Organ damage from bacteria spreading through the bloodstream