You’re out of undergrad and have decided that dentistry is your future. The next step is to select a dental school. Choosing the right dental school can be a vital factor in determining the course of your career. Your dental school will require a serious time and financial commitment, so you want to be sure you are giving yourself the best opportunity possible. Here are some things to consider when choosing a dental school.

Not all dental programs are alike. Are you interested in community care? General practice? Teaching? Research? Each dental program may have a different focus, and you need to know if the focus of the school you are considering fits in with the kind of dentistry you want to practice. Some schools practice a traditional classroom instruction model, while others are organized according to a more broad problem solving pedagogy. You will need to decide which approach offers the best opportunities for learning for you.

You will need to make a decision based on the physical location of the school. Are you looking for something close to home, or are you willing to go far away to study dentistry? Are you prepared to take on the financial burden of not only tuition, but of living expenses in your new location if you choose to go away to school? Do you find the school aesthetically pleasing? This may seem a minor concern, but you will be spending a considerable period at the school that you choose, and at times you may be under intense pressure. Having the right environment may be the difference between graduating on time at the top of your class and a much less appealing alternative.

You should consider what kind of facilities the school has. If you are interested in lots of hands on research, obviously a state of the art laboratory will be desirable. If you are more interested in patient care, a school with access to a large hospital or community service center may be better for you.

You also need to think about the reputation of the school versus the likelihood of your being accepted. You can easily find out the percentage of applicants accepted and their average GPA and test scores for any of the top schools. You obviously want a school with a great reputation, but if it is not a school that is likely to accept you or if you would have too much difficulty meeting the requirements if you are accepted, this can be an unnecessary waste of time and money.

If you can, you should meet with the faculty and students at the programs you are most interested in. Talking with people already involved in the program will give you the best feeling for whether or not it is the right program for you to pursue your dental education.

Choosing a dental school is the first of many decisions that will start you on a path towards a career in dentistry. If you take the time to make an informed, intelligent decision here, the choices that follow will be that much easier for you.

Craig Berger
http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/how-to-find-the-best-dental-school-for-you-87783.html

Without any dental insurance or dental plans most americans would not get there routine check up. The cost of dental care can be so expensive. Now It’s easy to save money on quality dental care for you and your family with a discount dental plan. Enjoy discounts on checkups, cleanings, braces, root canals and more with select plans. For more information on these discount dental plans go to http://www.smileforless.us. Why it is very important to keep up on your routine dental visits.

Tooth decay is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold. It usually occurs in children and young adults but can affect any person. It is the most important cause of tooth loss in younger people. Plaque begins to accumulate on teeth within 20 minutes after eating (the time when most bacterial activity occurs). If this plaque is not removed thoroughly and routinely, tooth decay will not only begin, but flourish.

The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities). Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large inside the tooth and destroy the nerve and blood vessels in the tooth. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can develop. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the internal structures of the tooth (pulp) and ultimately causes the loss of the tooth.

Most cavities are discovered in the early stages during routine checkups. The surface of the tooth may be soft when probed with a sharp instrument. Pain may not be present until the advanced stages of tooth decay. Dental x-rays may show some cavities before they are visible to the eye.

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.

Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

Now the benefits of these dental plans: Save 10% to 60% on most dental procedures.

Choose from over 30 discount dental plans.

No health restrictions, paperwork hassles or

annual limits.

Most plans activate within 3 business days, so you can save on your dental care

right away!

http://www.smileforless.us

Nancy
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/discount-dental-plans-can-help-prevent-gum-disease-and-tooth-decay-83736.html

There are now several families that are in need of affordable dental care here in the United States Of America. It’s estimated that 7 of 10 people don’t have any type of dental insurance. This isn’t a big surprise considering our health care system, however, the facts are that for seventy percent of our country to be without dental coverage is completely unacceptable.

As the costs of making an appointment with the dentist continuing to soar, buying cheap dental insurance is becoming more important than in previous years. The good news is that recently, with the assistance of the Internet, researching cheap dental benefit plans isn’t as hard as it used to be Typing in the relevant keywords into Google, Yahoo or MSN will present you with potentially dozens of dental insurance websites and offers. So, whatever your specific dental needs or budget, you are certain to find a dental plan package which meets your specifications. Also, it’s worth mentioning that it is advisable for prospective buyers of dental plans to take advantage of the services of an online dental plan finder. These types of services are particularly helpful to those who have little experience in shopping around for dental coverage. There is no doubt that the helpful service which an online dental finder can increase your chances of locating low cost dental coverage.

When locating an online dental plan finder, it is always a good idea to approach companies that have a good reputation and track record in the dental benefits industry. Doing this can ensure that you get an effective and well tailored dental plan service. At this junction, I should let you know that prospective buyers of dental insurance need to show caution when looking to buy dental benefits. This is because there are many dental plan scams that unsuspecting people might be lured into. There are also informative guides and resources online inform people on how to avoid dental benefits scams.

Joe Stewart
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/affordable-low-cost-dental-plans-the-dos-and-donts-of-finding-low-cost-dental-plans-128639.html

After dental school, many dentists opt to continue their education and enter a dental residency program. This is not unlike medical school graduates who attend residency for two to eight years. The difference with a dental residency is that residency is not required. It is your choice to complete a residency or not.

Many would recommend completing at least a year of residency after dental school. The reason is that a residency provides a learning environment not found in dental school. In the third and fourth year of dental school, a student begins taking care of patients in a supervised environment. A student would perform basic tasks and see about three or so patients a day.

In a residency, a dental school graduate could see up to ten patients a day. This hospital environment is much more hectic than anything a student has experienced in dental school. It is a great way to practice your profession because although you are licensed to practice by yourself, a recent graduate cannot make up for lack of experience. Completing a residency allows a student to ask questions that an experienced dentist can answer right away.

The patients you see during your residency are also much different than in private practice. Usually a patient will have other health concerns other than their teeth. They may be on many different types of medication. This environment helps you hone your skills in providing the best care for your patient. You might have to converse with other doctors about your patient’s health before performing a procedure or writing a prescription.

A residency is also the path you take if you want to become more than a general dentist. Maybe you are interested in orthodontics or oral surgery. If you desire to specialize in a certain dental field then you must complete a residency. A residency allows you to apprentice with an experienced professional. This could take two to four years depending on your specialty.

Another career choice after dental school is private practice. Unlike medical school, a dental school graduate is licensed to practice immediately. You don’t have to complete a residency if you feel like you are ready for private practice.

Private practice means that you set up your own office and see your own clients. This is a good way if you are the entrepreneurial type. Remember that opening your own practice means that you will have to draw patients and hire staff. You may need a dental assistant, a front desk receptionist, and other staff. Don’t forget that there are startup costs in opening your own practice such as leasing office space and buying equipment. To reduce these costs, you can open a practice with other dentists.

There are different options out there for dental graduates. Research your next step and think about the lifestyle that you desire.

Catherine Zandueta
http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/life-after-dental-school-84856.html

The cost of dental insurance has gone through the roof in recent years. It’s now a proven statistic that approximately 70% of American have no dental coverage at all because of this. However, the most disturbing thing about this is that most dental insurance plans really don’t provide much coverage. Many people aren’t even aware of what they’re buying until they get to the dentist and have their claim denied because the procedure that they need to have done is considered to be pre-existing and dental insurance won’t cover anything that’s pre-existing. That means that if your spouse or daughter is in pain right now and you don’t already have insurance you are on your own.

The best way to beat the high cost of dental insurance is to join what’s called a discount dental plan. Many of these discount plans offer savings of as much as 60% off on most major dental care, as well as preventive care, such as cleanings, x-rays, etc. Since discount plans are not an insurance policy you can be seen for any reason, pre-existing or not. There aren’t any exclusions, no age limits, no co-pays, no headaches.

This is how discount plans work. Find a dentist in your area that is a member of the discount network. Join the plan by paying the low annual fee. This is usually under $100.00 for an individual, which is much less than insurance.

Within 1-3 days you can see a participating dentist. Once you get your activation notice, simply make an appointment, get a check-up and x-rays, determine what needs to be done and what you can afford to pay that day and then get the work done. It’s just that easy.

If you’ve been looking for affordable dental insurance I can tell you that it just doesn’t exist, if you consider what you’re actually getting for your money. I encourage you to look at both dental insurance (make sure to look at the “Exclusions”) and discount dental plans. I think you’ll be shocked at what you find.

Joe Stewart
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-to-beat-the-high-cost-of-dental-insurance-245502.html

Give Me Dental or Give Me Death

America’s State of Oral Decay

July 9, 2007

by Kimberly Holt

We are facing a tremendous crisis in this country. It’s not talked about much. I started a website, http://www.getfreedental.com, to help adults get the dental care they need at no cost, or at the very least, very little cost. The response I’ve received has been incredible. In the few weeks the site has been up, I’ve received hundreds, nearly a thousand emails from average Americans with stories that are truly heartbreaking. These are your everyday, average American people. Not living in poverty, but just making enough to pay the bills and put food on the table.

It seems that millions of people have such bad dental problems that they are unable to work, unable to be productive members of society and most have trouble just being a part of social society. You never hear anyone talking about it because they think that they either have to make do or adjust. They have heart problems, diabetes and other health problems because of their teeth!

Dental costs are so high that no one can afford it. Dental insurance is a joke. They pay as little as $1000 a year and so are the so-called “discount plans.”

It would be great if the government extended Medicaid dental benefits to adults as well as children. I believe that in doing so, more people would be working. There would be a tremendous restoration of confidence to attend work (to go for the higher paying jobs), and that loss of work due to infections and resulting health problems would be down tremendously. Let’s not even get into the psychological end of it!

I think that most of the people who do not suffer with dental problems believe that people just don’t take care of their teeth, or that they are drug addicts and deserve what they get! Well, I was born with paper thin teeth and I have taken better care of my teeth than most people I know! I’m not a drug addict and never have been. It’s simply a matter of genetics!

I really don’t know that much about politics (except the ones in my own house!) lol

In light of all the politicians and everyone else that voted to take adult dental Medicaid away, (we’re assuming they all could afford dental care) I have a suggestion…

They really don’t realize how much they have affected the workforce and healthcare. It’s just a matter of money to them. It seems to me they spend a lot of money on useless things instead. They claim to have billions of dollars in grant money for everything that just sits there unclaimed.

So how about this… how about making a few of those billions available every five years or so so that we can get RESTORATIVE care, not EMERGENCY care. Just make it available for an entire year to everyone that needs it. The dentist won’t suffer a bit. People would return to work (or have the confidence to get a job), and there would be a lot less need for medical care for dental related health problems.

Hey! I would even do something in return for it. Pick up a highway or something! Whatever you want me to do! lol

Community service for the cost of the services!

Folks, things are just going to get worse. What are these people supposed to do? Just assume life is over for them?

How fair is that? They are just like everybody else. They deserve a chance. One out of 250 young adults is missing all of their teeth. What kind of future are they facing? Many have told me they think about suicide.

Take a look at yourself. Imagine having a mouth full of missing or decayed teeth and trying to live the life you do now.

I’m ready to start a petition. SOMETHING has to be done!

Kimberly Holt
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/give-me-dental-or-give-me-death-americas-state-of-oral-decay-178611.html

A career as a Dental Assistant will open many doors of opportunity. Dental Assistants will be among the highest growing occupations from now until 2012. This is because people are starting to take a better interest in their oral health. Technological advances have led many individuals to the dentist office for cosmetic dental procedures rather than just cleanings and major dental work. Also, people are living longer, so their teeth need more care to stay healthy throughout their life.

The most common place of employment to find Dental Assistants is in the dental office. Here they provide a variety of services. They often help to comfort scared patients prior to procedures as well as give them follow up care at the end of the appointment. Dental Assistants clean the tools used as well as make sure each work unit has the necessary tools and equipment ready for the next patients procedures.

Dental Assistants in the dental office work very closely with Dentists and Hygienists. They often sit in on all procedures, handing staff the necessary tools. Dentist offices are generally small so Dental Assistants often help with lab work. This includes making molds of teeth for caps, bridges, and other dental work. They may also be required to assist with the taking of X-rays.

A common place for Dental Assistants to be employed is in prisons. With more and more prisons being built all over the Nation, Dental Assistants are in great demand for Federal, State, and privately owned prisons. Working as a dental assistant in a prison setting requires more caution that in a regular dental office.

All Nursing Assistants need to be aware of the risk of communicable diseases that are transmitted via saliva and blood. However, the rate of these diseases, especially HIV, is much higher with a prison population than the general public. Also, some inmates might try to attack by biting.

Nursing Assistants in a prison setting need to be alert, and never let down their guard. Inmates often look for any opportunity to escape or obtain weapons. They can use a dental tool as a weapon against you, other staff, or other inmates. It is very important that you keep very close track of all dental tools in a prison setting. Never leave a tool in the reach of an inmate for even a moment. If you discover a tool is missing, immediately notify your supervisor and follow the procedures outlined in the prison policy.

For those Dental Assistants wanting to help the lower income populations, securing employment in a Child Development Center, Head Start, or Migrant program is an excellent way of giving back to the community. Often, these populations can’t afford dental care and would go without it if the services were not offered as part of a government program. Employment in these types of agencies as a Dental Assistant often pays less than other employment opportunities in the field. However, many Dental Assistants make the choice to help those in need rather than earn more money.

There are many opportunities to work as a Dental Assistant for agencies who serve the disabled. Often, Dental Assistants are afraid to work with such a population. However, once you feel comfortable with disabled people and their disabilities, you will be able to provide proper care to those who are in need, regardless of their mental capacity or physical appearance.

A career as a Dental Assistant offers you many areas of employment including dental offices, prisons, low income programs, and for facilities who serve the disabled. The ability to choose the type of environment you want to use your Dental Assistant skills in makes the field even more inviting. If you are not sure if a particular type of agency is a good fit for you, talk to them. Ask if you can shadow another Dental Assistant who works there for a few days. This should give you plenty of exposure to the activities that take place in that agency.

Daniel Millions
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/so-you-want-to-be-a-dental-assistant-99693.html

Discount dental plans are fast becoming the number one alternative to traditional dental insurance. With more than 108 million Americans currently without some form of dental care coverage, it is more important than ever before that we discuss the benefits of discount dental plans.

Traditional dental insurance is virtually unaffordable if not provided by an employer. Therefore, individuals and families must have an alternative. For many, the perfect alternative is a discount dental plan. Discount dental plans offer flexible, convenient coverage that dental insurance policies lack. They’re also very affordable.

Top 5 Discount Dental Plan Benefits:

1) Affordable

Discount dental plans are considerably more affordable than traditional dental insurance. A typical individual discount dental plan will cost you around $79.95, while a family plan will start at around $120. In a report released in 2005 by the National Association of Dental Plans, the average monthly premium paid for individual HMO dental insurance(Traditional) was nearly $16/month, or about $192/year, compared to even more($288/year) for individual PPO dental insurance and a whopping $372/year for individual indemnity insurance. As traditional dental insurance rates continue to rise at astonishing rates, discount dental plan rates do not. In fact, the NADP states, “Discount dental plans have become an economical and important alternative to combat the rising cost of health care. They are a cost-effective vehicle for millions of under-served consumers to improve their access to dental care.”

2) No Health Restrictions

Unlike some dental insurance providers, discount dental plan providers do not impose sometimes unfair health restrictions on members. In other words, you will receive the discount afforded to you according to your discount dental plan’s fee schedule if you have health problems or not. It is not uncommon for lower income people to suffer from untreated ailments, thus making a discount dental plan the only option in some cases.

3) No Paperwork to Fill Out

Nobody likes arriving at the dentist only to spend 15 minutes filling out lengthy medical history and claim forms. With discount dental plans the only paperwork you fill out is the paperwork required to purchase your plan. Claim forms don’t even enter the equation.

4) Quick Activation

If you’ve ever tried to enroll with an insurance provider, you know that the wait can be unbearable - especially if you’re in immediate need of insured care. Discount dental plans, on the other hand often activate within 1-3 days, depending on the provider you enroll with. Within this time period, a discount card is mailed out to you, and you are often provided with immediate access to plan information, including fee schedules, and local participating dentists.

5) Direct Access for Individuals, Families, and Groups

Traditional dental insurance is rarely directly accessible to the general public - in terms of either policy or expense. However, discount dental plans are available directly to the general public. You can access and enroll in a plan right over the web in most cases. This is true for individuals, families, and groups alike. In fact, one of the largest segments of dental plan enrollees belongs to small businesses who find traditional dental insurance unaffordable.

The National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) considers discount dental plans as a viable, cost-effective alternative: “With an estimated 45 percent of Americans not having any type of dental coverage, and the dental insurance marketplace offering few, affordable dental products for individuals, discount dental plans are an attractive answer to the need to reduce consumer out-of-pocket costs and increase access to care.”

Cory Kemp
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/top-5-dental-plan-benefits-132533.html

Employment of dentists is projected to grow about average for all occupations through 2014. Although employment growth will provide some job opportunities, most jobs will result from the need to replace the large number of dentists expected to retire. Job prospects should be good as new dentists take over established practices or start their own.

Demand for dental care should grow substantially through 2014. A large number of people will need complicated dental work, such as bridges. In addition, elderly people are more likely to retain their teeth than were their predecessors, so they will require much more care than in the past. The younger generation will continue to need preventive checkups despite treatments such as fluoridation of the water supply, which decreases the incidence of tooth decay. However, employment of dentists is not expected to grow as rapidly as the demand for dental services. As their practices expand, dentists are likely to hire more dental hygienists and dental assistants to handle routine services.

Dentists will increasingly provide care and instruction aimed at preventing the loss of teeth, rather than simply providing treatments such as fillings. Improvements in dental technology also will allow dentists to offer more effective and less painful treatment to their patients.

Dentists diagnose, prevent, and treat problems with teeth or mouth tissue. They remove decay, fill cavities, examine x rays, place protective plastic sealants on children’s teeth, straighten teeth, and repair fractured teeth. They also perform corrective surgery on gums and supporting bones to treat gum diseases. Dentists extract teeth and make models and measurements for dentures to replace missing teeth. They provide instruction on diet, brushing, flossing, the use of fluorides, and other aspects of dental care. They also administer anesthetics and write prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications.

Dentists use a variety of equipment, including x-ray machines; drills; and instruments such as mouth mirrors, probes, forceps, brushes, and scalpels. They wear masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases.

Dentists in private practice oversee a variety of administrative tasks, including bookkeeping and buying equipment and supplies. They may employ and supervise dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental laboratory technicians, and receptionists.

Most dentists are general practitioners, handling a variety of dental needs. Other dentists practice in any of nine specialty areas. Orthodontists, the largest group of specialists, straighten teeth by applying pressure to the teeth with braces or retainers.

The next largest group, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, operates on the mouth and jaws. The remainder may specialize as pediatric dentists (focusing on dentistry for children); periodontists (treating gums and bone supporting the teeth); prosthodontists (replacing missing teeth with permanent fixtures, such as crowns and bridges, or with removable fixtures such as dentures); endodontists (performing root canal therapy); public health dentists (promoting good dental health and preventing dental diseases within the community); oral pathologists (studying oral diseases); or oral and maxillofacial radiologists (diagnosing diseases in the head and neck through the use of imaging technologies).

Dental hygienists remove soft and hard deposits from teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene, and provide other preventive dental care.

Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. They make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain their dental records.

When patients require a special appliance to chew and speak well, their health care providers send requests to dental laboratory technicians.

After fabrication, medical appliance technicians test devices for proper alignment, movement, and stability using meters and alignment fixtures. They also may fit the appliance on the patient and adjust them as necessary. Over time the appliance will wear down, so technicians must repair and maintain the device.

Most dentists work 4 or 5 days a week. Some work evenings and weekends to meet their patients’ needs. Most full-time dentists work between 35 and 40 hours a week, but others work more. Initially, dentists may work more hours as they establish their practice. Experienced dentists often work fewer hours. Many continue in part-time practice well beyond the usual retirement age.

Most dentists are solo practitioners, meaning that they own their own businesses and work alone or with a small staff. Some dentists have partners, and a few work for other dentists as associate dentists.

Dentistry requires diagnostic ability and manual skills. Dentists should have good visual memory, excellent judgment regarding space and shape, a high degree of manual dexterity, and scientific ability. Good business sense, self-discipline, and good communication skills are helpful for success in private practice. High school and college students who want to become dentists should take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, health, and mathematics.

Dental schools require a minimum of 2 years of college-level predental education, regardless of the major chosen. However, most dental students have at least a bachelor’s degree. Predental education emphasizes coursework in science, and many applicants to dental school major in a science such as biology or chemistry, while other applicants major in another subject and take many science courses as well. A few applicants are accepted to dental school after 2 or 3 years of college and complete their bachelor’s degree while attending dental school.

All dental schools require applicants to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). When selecting students, schools consider scores earned on the DAT, applicants’ grade point averages, and information gathered through recommendations and interviews.

Dental school usually lasts 4 academic years. Studies begin with classroom instruction and laboratory work in basic sciences, including anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, and physiology. Beginning courses in clinical sciences, including laboratory techniques, also are provided at this time. During the last 2 years, students treat patients, usually in dental clinics, under the supervision of licensed dentists. Some dental school graduates work for established dentists as associates for 1 to 2 years to gain experience and save money to equip an office of their own. Most dental school graduates, however, purchase an established practice or open a new one immediately after graduation.

Josh Stone
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/the-future-of-dentist-choosing-a-dental-career-91184.html

One of the most important things we can do to protect the health and actually promote longevity in our dogs is tooth brushing! Dental health is critically essential for wellness of the major systems of the entire body! More on this and other dog care subjects can be found at http://bichonworld.com/bichon-dog-articles.html.

Imagine what would happen to us if we didn’t brush regularly each day! We’d have horrible breath, of course. But even worse, the resulting periodontal disease would mean multiple and severe health problems. The same is true for our 4-legged best friends.

Did you know that periodontal disease is the most common infectious disease in dogs? (This is also true for cats).

Studies indicate that more than 85% of all dogs 4 years and older suffer from periodontal disease! Not surprisingly, then, it is reported that by 3 years of age, 85% of dogs have begun to experience some phase of gum disease.

The progression of the disease begins with the formation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms in the mouth at the gum line. Amazingly, 1 milligram of plaque contains more than 1 trillion bacteria - disease causing bacteria!

Plaque left on the teeth hardens into tartar which sticks to teeth like cement. The tartar leads to gingivitis, or gum disease, a condition in which actual gum damage begins. The gums become red and swollen, not to mention painful! Once this happens, the gums start to recede from the teeth, creating even more space for bacteria to grow.

Periodontal disease is now “off to the races” with a variety of very harmful effects. The roots of the teeth loosen as infection starts to cause bone loss. In smaller dogs, like our Bichon breeds, the bone that holds the teeth is thinner than that of medium-sized and larger dogs, so gum disease is likely to be even more of a problem for them.

Perhaps the most devastating and deadly effects of periodontal disease occur as the bacteria enters our companion’s bloodstream through the mouth and gum tissues. This leads to damage of tissue in the heart, kidneys, and liver, and even the lungs and nervous system.

Unfortunately, it is a little known fact that neglecting the dental health of our beloved little buddies can cause potentially fatal heart-disease, kidney-disease, and liver-disease.

The good news is that all this can be prevented! However, please, don’t be fooled into thinking that using dry dog food and providing bones or other chew toys is an effective solution for the necessary dental hygiene!

To maintain a healthy mouth and to prevent the serious conditions that result from ignoring dental needs, 2 things are needed:

* a tooth-brushing routine (preferably daily), and
* periodic professional cleaning by your veterinarian.

There is more good news! Tooth brushing can be done very quickly. Also, there are a variety of tasty doggie toothpastes and gels on the market to make our task easier. (Be sure to avoid using “human toothpaste” since those products are made to spit out and not to swallow!)

Although the thought of daily tooth-brushing for your dog might seem a little daunting at first, you’ll find it very quick and easy once it’s become a habit. Just keep in mind that what you’re doing is adding to the quality and years to your best friend’s life!

Sandy Schneider
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/tooth-and-dental-care-for-dogs-92124.html