Dental disease is more than just a cosmetic issue — when your canine companion or feline friend has red gums, yellow teeth, and stinky breath, it could be a sign of severe oral disease that could, if left untreated, lead to devastating effects on your pet’s quality of life. Neglecting your pet’s teeth and gums can cause chronic pain issues that may even be at the center of some behavioral problems. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some oral disease by 3. There are nine reasons why the care of your animal’s teeth is so crucial:
- A pet with healthy teeth equals a pet with better breath!
- Dental disease can lead to problems with your pet’s organs. Bacteria under the gum can travel to the heart, kidneys, and liver.
- Retained baby teeth can cause problems in pets too!
Did you know that dogs have 42 teeth and cats have 30 teeth? Before their adult teeth grow in, though, their baby teeth have to fall out. Sometimes, not all of the baby teeth want to come out, leading to problems like gum irritation and tartar buildup.
- Caring for your pet’s teeth can prevent other health problems, saving you tons of money over the long term!
- You need regular dental care, and you brush your teeth every day – why wouldn’t your pets?
Regular at-home dental care can help improve the health of your pet’s mouth and lengthen the intervals between professional Smile4Pet cleanings.
- Did you know that 4 out of 5 dogs have had some periodontal disease over three years?
The buildup of Plaque can cause it, so it’s essential to have regular dental checkups and cleanings with anesthesia or without.
Periodontal disease is a progressive disease of the supporting tissues surrounding teeth and the primary cause of early tooth loss. Periodontal disease starts when bacteria combine with food particles to form plaque on the teeth.
Within days, minerals in the saliva bond with the Plaque to form Tartar, a hard substance that adheres to the teeth. The bacteria work their way under the gums and cause gingivitis — inflammation of the gums. Once under the gums, bacteria destroy the supporting tissue around the tooth, leading to tooth loss. This condition is known as periodontitis. Learn more about STAGES OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES
- Pets that don’t get dental care can painfully lose their teeth – this can be painful and cause serious health problems.
- Your dog and cat are very good at hiding pain – you might never know that your pet has a severe dental problem until it’s very advanced.
This is another reason it’s crucial to take your pet in for regular dental checkups.
Your pets are tough on their teeth. Learn the symptoms to keep your pet from experiencing the pain of severely worn teeth.