| The most common oral condition suffered
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| | by pawing at the mouth, or rubbing his
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| by dogs is periodontal disease. This
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| | face against the ground.
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| disease affects the tissues that surround
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| | All dogs are at risk, especially in dogs
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| and support the teeth. Plaque is the
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| | with small mouths, short muzzles and flat
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| usual cause of periodontal disease. It
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| | faces, as well as senior dogs. Tooth
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| gradually covers the teeth, quickly
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| | brushing on a regular basis can minimize
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| hardening into tartar.
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| | plaque buildup, and regular visits to the
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| The bacteria in plaque irritate the gums,
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| | vet can identify any hidden damage to the
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| causing them to swell. This swelling is
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| | teeth and gums before it gets out of
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| called gingivitis. Each day the gums grow
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| | hand.
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| more inflamed, producing other damaging
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| | Treatment can range from tooth brushing,
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| bacteria, causing the gums to recede.
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| | descaling, usually carried out by the vet
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| Over time the tooth becomes loose,
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| | with the patient under a general
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| followed by tooth loss.
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| | anesthetic, to advanced dental-surgery
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| Aside from being very painful, and the
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| | techniques. Early detection is the best
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| possible loss of teeth, periodontal
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| | treatment of all. Controlling your dog's
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| disease can become a reservoir of
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| | diet can have a big impact on his teeth.
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| infection and bacteria to the blood, and
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| | Dogs who are fed mostly soft foods suffer
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| from the bloodstream, to the vital
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| | more periodontal disease than those who
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| organs, such as heart, kidneys, lungs,
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| | must chew.
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| and liver. Common symptoms of periodontal
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| | Help your dog maintain his good health by
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| disease are consistently bad breath,
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| | frequent visits to the vet, regular tooth
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| yellow to brown masks on the teeth,
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| | brushing, maintaining a healthy diet, and
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| reddened gums and exposed tooth roots,
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| | occasionally giving him a chew toy or
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| reluctance to eat, drooling, difficulty
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| | bone. The benefits will last a lifetime.
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| in chewing, and mouth pain, usually shown
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