Periodontal Disease (Gum Problems)
Gum disease in dogs and cats is common in today's world. Unlike us, pets cannot brush their own teeth. And unlike their ancestors, whose dietary habits consisted of tearing at flesh, tendons, ligaments, fur and bones, keeping their teeth and gums clean in the process, today's pets gain only a little help from the crunchy nuggets poured into their bowls.
THE PROBLEM
Inside the mouth, tooth enamel is bathed in saliva and quickly covered by plaque (bacteria/saliva mixture). Without being brushed away, the plaque will mineralize into tartar. Tartar, being solid and gritty, blocks oxygen from bathing the outer tooth and thus changes the nature of the bacteria that can live around the tooth. Anaerobic bacteria, or bacteria that can withstand this oxygen-poor environment, are more harmful to the bone and tissues of the gum, causing redness and swelling. The periodontal ligament becomes damaged, the bone around the tooth is literally eaten away, and the gums become sensitive. Eventually the tooth is lost and, if the bone damage is severe enough, the jaw can actually break. Worse still, the bacteria of the mouth can seed other areas in the body leading to infection in the heart, liver, kidney or virtually anywhere the bloodstream carries them.
THE SOLUTION
Preventing Gum disease starts at home. Brushing your dog's teeth 2-3 times per week will help to reduce the build-up of plaque. It is best to use a toothbrush that is designed for a dog's mouth. Never use human toothpaste, as they are not made to be swallowed. Instead, use a paste or gel designed for pets. Professional teeth cleaning can be performed by your vet to remove the build-up of tartar and plaque below the gum line. This procedure requires the use of a general anesthesia. There will be more in the next section on that.
Help for Periodontal Disease
Antioxidant Treats or Granules - Periodontal disease is advanced by the increase of free-radicals in the cells. These products better enable the body to counter this problem by increasing production of antioxidant enzymes. It is these Enzymes that help to undo damage caused by the free radicals.
Ox-E-Drops – this is an Anti-Viral, Anti-Fungal, Anti-Bacterial product that can help in two primary ways. First, by adding the drops to the water dish, there is an increase in anti-bacterial action every time the dog has a drink. Secondly, a 2% solution can be made (10 drops per Ounce of water). Dipping your dog's toothbrush in the solution, then applying it to the teeth and gums can provide helpful anti-bacterial action right to the spot.
How to Help your Dog have Longer Lasting Teeth
The Solution- Preventing Gum disease starts at home. Brushing your dog's teeth 2-3 times per week will help to reduce the build-up of plaque. It is best to use a toothbrush that is designed for a dog's mouth. Never use human toothpaste, as they are not made to be swallowed. Instead, use a paste or gel designed for pets. Professional teeth cleaning can be performed by your vet to remove the build-up of tartar and plaque below the gum line. This procedure requires the use of a general anesthesia. There will be more in the next section on that.
We also suggest spraying your dog's teeth and gums once or twice a day with the Ox-E-Drops 2% Solution, as well as occasionally swabbing the gums and teeth with this solution. This will quickly do away with harmful bacteria that can lead to Plaque buildup.
And, of course, you should always add several drops of the Ox-E-Drops to your pets water dish whenever it is emptied and re-filled.
