As time goes on, the accumulation of tartar builds up under the gum line, causing a separation between the gum and teeth, as well as pockets under the teeth where bacteria will begin to grow. Once this happens, the animal is considered to have reached the stage of irreversible Periodontal disease, which usually leads to bone loss, tissue destruction, and pus formation in the spaces between the gum and teeth. This is why the Veterinarians and Veterinary staff at Acadia strongly encourage early dental care in the form of dental diets, water additives, and daily brushing with toothpaste designed for animals to remove the continuous build-up of plaque. Once the plaque has calcified into tartar, only a professional cleaning with dental instruments will be able to remove the buildup.