Far too often veterinarians discover during the physical exam that their canine subject has a foul odor to the breath as a result of generalized periodontitis. But foul breath is a mere shadow of a much more insidious diseaseprocess. A Diplomat of the American Veterinary Dental College, Jan Bellows DVM, of Hometown Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic in Weston, Florida, about the adverse health impact chronic periodontal disease can have on a dog. This is what he had to say, "The toxins from periodontal disease are absorbed into the dog's blood stream. As the kidneys, liver, and brain filter the blood, small infections occur causing permanent and at times fatal organ damage. PREVENTION One of the best ways to insure optimum oral health is to provide the dog with a well-balanced, meat-based dog food. Meat assists in keeping the mouth environment healthy. Actively encouraging the dog to utilize the dog toothbrush that require some "exercising" of the teeth, such as is provided by Life is Complete with Dogs sells, hard rubber dog toothbrush can assist big timer in keeping the mouth structures vital. Brushing the dog’s teeth can be a big help, too, but needs to be done almost daily.