Healthy Pet Mouth
The pet’s teeth and gums are healthy if you notice:

• Clean, white teeth
• Breath with a mild aroma
• Smooth, coral pink gum tissue
• Gum tissue that appears firm, even and fully encircles the teeth

Benefits of a healthy mouth:

• Helps pet retain teeth
• Allows pet to chew food without discomfort
• Safeguards pet from additional health risks

Pet Bad Breath or Halitosis: Bacteria Build-Up
Pet parents often assume their pet’s bad breath (also known as halitosis) is just something they have to live with. What they don’t know is that pet bad breath is actually a sign of bacteria from plaque, tartar, or unhealthy oral tissues in the pet’s mouth. It’s widely considered one of the first signs of gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease.

Gingivitis
Gingivitis (inflamed gums) is the first stage of periodontal disease. However, the effects of gingivitis are reversible with correct, consistent treatment.

Gingivitis is present in the pet’s mouth if you notice:

• Bad breath
• Yellowing of the teeth
• Reddening of the gum tissue
• Slight softening and loosening of the gum tissue encircling the teeth

Risks of untreated gingivitis:

• Potentially permanent separation of gum tissue from teeth
• Pain and discomfort
• Risk of secondary, serious health issues

Periodontal Disease
Advanced periodontal disease is the primary cause of premature tooth loss in pets. Advise pet parents to seek immediate veterinary care for their pets if you notice any combination of the following:

• Extremely bad breath
• Red, swollen, sore gum tissue
• Inability or unwillingness to chew food
• Loose, severely yellowed teeth
• Softened gum tissue that separates from the neck of the teeth

Risks of periodontal disease

• Tooth loss
  
• Malnutrition due to inability to eat properly
• Increased risk of other health problems caused by oral bacteria entering the bloodstream
• Decreased life expectancy