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    Take a Good Look

    Check your pet's teeth at least weekly. They should be white, shiny, sharp, and pointy. Yellow or brown teeth may indicate plaque or tartar buildup.

    RELATED: 6 Painless Teeth Cleaning Tips

    Purple on a tooth may be pulpitis, an inflammation of the tooth's center caused by a blow to the mouth or chewing too hard.  

    Gums should be light pink and smooth along the tooth edge. If they're red, swollen, or bleeding, she may have gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease.