The presence of a pet can bring much happiness and fun to your life. No matter what type of pet you have, you must always ensure they receive the best possible health care. When did you last think about your pet’s dental health? In the absence of treatment, mild cases of poor breath can rapidly worsen into severe cases of periodontal illness.

Infection of the bone and gums which hold teeth is referred to as periodontal disease. It causes halitosis, gingivitis, and eventually tooth loss. Even more, bacteria in the mouth can spread via the bloodstream and into the rest of the pet’s body and cause creating havoc for the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Dental Disease and Its Health Impacts

Dogs require a strict dental regimen to keep their teeth and gums well-maintained. They risk developing a dental disease if their teeth aren’t looked after on time. This can significantly impact their health, not just their mouths but also their teeth and gums. Learn more about how dental problems can affect a dog’s health.

1. Heart Disease

Endocarditis, an illness that affects the lining of the heart’s internal organs, has been linked to periodontal disease. Dogs suffering from advanced gum disease have a six-fold higher risk of contracting endocarditis than healthy dogs. Periodontal disease and endocarditis are typically found together for reasons still to be discovered, and the microorganisms responsible for both conditions are identical.

Routine dental checkups and constant pet teeth cleaning are means wherein you can help your pet avoid complications, such as heart disease. 

2. Weight Loss

Your dog might have trouble eating as the dental condition progresses. They may also cease eating altogether if the discomfort from chewing is excessive. This rapid reduction in weight that may come from this is problematic because, without adequate nutrition, your body’s functions aren’t functioning as they should. The dog’s immunity will decline if the problem is not treated, which makes the dog vulnerable to infections and other illnesses.

Weight monitoring is always included in pet wellness exams. Rapid weight loss prompts veterinarians to double check on your pet’s dental health. 

3. Pain and Discomfort

Even though you don’t feel the slightest discomfort or pain, dental issues could cause your dog to suffer lots of stress. It’s common for dogs to refrain from chewing on the side that hurts their mouths or to opt for softer, liquid foods over the more granular, dry food.

Pain symptoms indicate an increased risk of secondary infections, which can worsen the situation. Sometimes, something becomes in their teeth or snaps, creating excruciating pain. Though your dog may appear unaffected, the underlying pain could be causing subtle behavioral changes, like increased aggression or sadness.

4. Jaw Fracture

Dental diseases cause a shockingly high amount of jaw fractures that may appear extreme. Smaller dog breeds with disproportionately big teeth, such as Chihuahuas, Maltese, and Shih Tzus, are more vulnerable to this condition. A dog’s jawbone may become brittle from conditions like abscessed teeth, periodontal (gum) disease, and just a quick jump off the couch or a mouthful of food that is crunchy can cause a fracture.

This is especially true to our senior dog and cat, hence, a comprehensive geriatric pet care should be discussed with your trusted veterinarian. 

5. Inflammation

The gum tissue that is inflamed is the result of the body’s immune response to microorganisms that are the result of dental infections. Although inflammation is a way to eliminate bacteria, it can also affect healthy cells. As a result, surrounding tissue could die, the discomfort will increase, and infection may occur. A severe dental condition can trigger more inflammation, which increases the risk that germs could get into the bloodstream and eventually spread throughout the body.