DOGS, CATS NEED CLEAN TEETH.

Byline: - Simone Schramm

In celebration of National Pet Dental Month, as set by the American Veterinary Medical Association and American Veterinary Dental Society, Pet Dental Services has stressed the importance of pet dental care to owners and pet lovers alike.

According to the AVDS, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and infection, which can easily spread throughout the animal's body via the bloodstream,potentially affecting the heart, kidneys or lungs.

Aside from regular cleanings at the vet, owners must have a regular teeth cleaning schedule of their own for their pets. One product that helps prevent bacteria from colonizing on pets' teeth is ProVSeal, a new polymer gel that forms an invisible barrier when applied to teeth to prevent oral bacteria from adhering to the surface. Because bacteria can't form on the smooth, clear gel coating, chances of your dog or cat developing plaque or gingivitis is greatly reduced.

``This is not a substitute for brushing a pet's teeth or getting them professionally cleaned by a veterinarian,'' said Ron Dunton, general manager of Castle Beach Co., which produces the product.

``The purpose of this product is to protect the dental health of pets by keeping plaque-causing bacteria from gaining a foothold on the mouth.'' PDS specializes in a anesthesia-free technique of dental cleaning where hygienists clean animals' teeth just like humans' teeth - gently hand scaling both the inside and outside surfaces, with pets completely awake.

For more information on PDS, call [phone]. For more information on ProVSeal, contact your local veterinarian, call [phone] or log on to www.provseal.com.