After your pet finishes a meal, tiny food particles combine with bacteria to form plaque. Plaque, if not removed, eventually hardens into calculus or tartar, and can ultimately lead to periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease is the single greatest cause of health problems in pets. Regular veterinary check-ups and professional dental cleanings are an important first defense in controlling and preventing periodontal disease. Routine home dental care is equally important in helping keep your pet and its teeth healthy. Simply brushing food debris and plaque from the teeth and gumline can greatly reduce the chance of tartar build-up, periodontal disease, and bad breath. Enzadent Oral Care Chews combine enzymes found naturally in your pet's saliva with the natural abrading action of beefhide to help remove food debris before it become a problem.