To Rochelle concerning cavities:
 
        Rochelle, as long as you keep your ferret on hard food, and check his
gums every few months, and stay away from sugary foods, you are doing what you
need to do.  As far as animals go, cavities are exceedingly rare due to their
dietary differences from humans.
        As far as older animals are concerned, they will build up tarter, a
hard, taky brownish substance around the gumline.  As the tartar builds up, it
will lead to red, inflamed, apainful, gums, and can eventually lead to tooth
loss.  If you start seeing tartar on your pets teeth, have your vet look at the
teeth.  They may need cleaning.
 
Bruce Williams
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[Posted in FML issue 0729]