Impact of Dental Diseases on Your Pet’s Health

Having a pet may bring much happiness and fun into your life. No matter what kind of pet you have, you should always provide them with the greatest care possible. But when did you last consider your pet’s dental health? In the absence of treatment, mild cases of poor breath can rapidly worsen into severe cases of periodontal disease.

Infection of the bones and gums that hold teeth in place is referred to as periodontal disease. It leads to halitosis, gingivitis, and eventually tooth loss. Worse, germs in the mouth can spread via the bloodstream to the rest of your pet’s body, havoc on the liver, heart, and kidneys.

Dental Disease and Its Health Impacts

Dogs require a strong dental routine to keep their teeth and gums healthy. They run the danger of acquiring dental illness if their teeth aren’t cared for properly. This has far-reaching effects on their health, not just the mouth, teeth, and gums. Read on for some ways dental problems affect a dog’s health.

1. Heart Disease

Endocarditis, an infection affecting the heart’s inner lining, has been linked to periodontal disease. Dogs with advanced gum disease have a sixfold increased risk of endocarditis compared to healthy dogs. Endocarditis and periodontal disease are frequently found together for reasons that have yet to be determined, and the microorganisms responsible for both illnesses are the same.

Have your dog checked at a reputable veterinary dental clinic or hospital, like the clinic for dentistry in Murfreesboro, to prevent your pet from having complications, such as heart disease. 

2. Weight Loss

Your dog may have difficulty eating as dental disease progresses, and they may even stop eating entirely if the pain of chewing becomes too great. The rapid loss of body mass that might come from this is problematic for several reasons: without adequate nutrition, the body cannot operate normally. Your dog’s immune system will deteriorate if the condition isn’t treated, leaving it vulnerable to infection and other ailments.

Monitoring your pet’s weight is part of cat and dog routine exams and dental health should always be included in your yearly routine pet checkup. 

3. Pain and Discomfort

Though you may not notice any discomfort, dental illness can cause your dog a lot of distress. It’s common for dogs to avoid chewing on the painful side of their mouth or to choose softer, liquid foods over the crunchier, drier kibble. 

Symptoms of pain indicate an increased risk for secondary infections, which can further worsen the situation. Sometimes, something suddenly becomes embedded between their teeth or snaps, causing excruciating pain. Though your dog may appear unaffected, the underlying pain could be causing subtle behavioral changes, such as increased aggressiveness or sadness.

4. Jaw Fracture

Dental illness leads to a surprisingly high number of canine jaw fractures, which may sound extreme. Smaller dog breeds with disproportionately large teeth, such as Chihuahuas, Maltese, and Shih Tzus, are especially susceptible to this problem. A dog’s jawbone can become brittle from conditions like abscessed teeth and periodontal (gum) disease, and a simple jump from the couch or a mouthful of crunchy food might cause a fracture.

This is especially true for senior pets, hence, a comprehensive geriatric care should be provided with the help of your trusted veterinarian. 

5. Inflammation

Inflamed gum tissue is the outcome of the immune system’s response to microorganisms produced by a dental infection. Although the inflammatory reaction eliminates bacteria, it can also damage healthy cells. Because of this, the surrounding tissue may die, discomfort may increase, and infection may occur. Extreme dental disease causes more inflammation, which raises the possibility that germs will enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.