A few tips:

• Chew treats, including hard meat-protein biscuits and rawhide chews for dogs, can help remove plaque, and provide stimulation for the gums.
• Watch out for wood - throwing sticks for dogs or letting your cat pick up a piece of wood with his/her mouth can result in splinters and gum damage.
• Don't let your pet chew on hard materials like bones or stones. They can wear down, even break teeth, damage gums and lead to infection.