"human toothpastes contain fluoride and can make your pet sick "

Dental disease is the most common health problem affecting dogs and cats. By the time they are 3 years old, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats suffer from some level of dental disease.
Many factors can influence the development of dental disease, but the accumulation of plaque is the No. 1 reason for the disease. Plaque is a soft, sticky substance and is formed when bacteria attach themselves to the tooth surface. Within days, the plaque mineralizes and forms calculus, or tartar.
Dental disease is a disease of the bone, not of the teeth. Plaque and tartar, gingivitis and bad breath are all signs of dental disease, and left untreated they can cause destruction of the bone surrounding the teeth. This can result in the teeth becoming loose or falling out. Advanced disease of the gums and teeth can be very painful for your pet and may interfere with them being able to eat and drink.
The bacteria present in an unhealthy mouth can cause disease in vital organs. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and damage important organs, especially the liver, kidneys and heart. Recent human studies have shown correlations between dental disease and increased mortality, heart disease and stroke. Human studies have also shown that the presence of dental disease in a diabetic makes it more difficult to achieve proper glucose control.
Dental disease is 100 percent preventable. A good oral hygiene program for your pet involves daily home care and regular professional cleanings by your veterinarian. Daily removal of plaque is the key to keeping your pet free of dental disease; unless your pet's teeth are brushed daily, plaque will begin to accumulate. You can use a soft-bristled human toothbrush or a finger toothbrush designed especially for use in pets.
You should use a toothpaste designed especially for pets, since human toothpastes contain fluoride and can make your pet sick if he or she swallows too much of it. Slide the toothbrush between the inside of your pet's cheek and the teeth and brush the teeth gently using a circular motion. It is more difficult to clean the inside surfaces of the teeth, but just by allowing your pet to chew on the bristles of the toothbrush, you can remove a lot of plaque from them.
How often your individual pet needs a professional veterinary cleaning depends upon the degree and rate of plaque and tartar accumulation. It will also depend upon how diligent you are with the daily brushing of your pet's teeth. You should examine your pet's teeth at least once a month to look for an accumulation of yellow or brown material where the teeth meet the gumline, especially over the cheek teeth and canine teeth.
As soon as you notice plaque or tartar accumulation, it is time for a professional cleaning. The longer you postpone, the gingivitis will eventually lead to bone loss, which is non-reversible.
Many people avoid professional dental cleanings because they are worried about the anesthesia. Anesthesia is necessary when cleaning dogs' and cats' teeth for several reasons. Only with anesthesia is it possible to clean below the gum line, a necessary step in the prevention of dental disease. Anesthesia also keeps your pet comfortable and pain-free during the dental procedure. Finally, when an animal is anesthetized, it is possible to pass a tube into their windpipe, thereby keeping the bacteria from the mouth from entering the respiratory system and causing infection in the lungs.
Of course, there is no such thing as a completely risk-free anesthesia, even in young, healthy animals. In addition to looking at your pet's teeth, your veterinarian will consider the overall health of your animal before recommending a dental cleaning under anesthesia. Depending on the age and health of your pet, your veterinarian may require bloodwork or other tests before the dental procedure in order to make sure the anesthesia is not too risky. Also, all animals under anesthesia are monitored closely to make sure their vital signs remain stable.
Because of these precautions, the health risks associated with untreated dental disease outweigh the risks associated with anesthesia in almost every animal.
Besides regular home and professional care, you can also do a few other things to keep your pet's teeth white and shiny. In general, pets that eat hard food will accumulate less plaque and tartar than animals eating soft food. There are even special diets, such as Hill's t/d ("tooth diet"), that are specifically manufactured to minimize the buildup of plaque.
Encouraging appropriate chewing can also minimize plaque build-up. Treats such as Denta-Bones and Greenies help to mechanically remove plaque from the tooth surface. However, steer clear of chew toys that are harder than the tooth itself, as these can lead to dental fractures. Be especially careful with cow and horse hoofs and nylon bones. In general, if you cannot make in indentation in a chew toy with your thumbnail, it is too hard to give to your pet without risking a broken tooth.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------