The teeth and gums are the windows to your pet’s well-being. When your dog or cat goes without an annual oral checkup and cleaning, several things can happen to affect their health.
First, your pet may experience discomfort when eating because tarter and plaque buildup on the teeth irritates the gums and causes inflammation. What happens when the crusty tarter and plaque aren’t cleaned away? The bacteria that causes plaque can invade your pet’s vulnerable gums, leading to infection in the gums and bone. But it doesn’t stop there. The bacteria that causes oral disease can spread throughout the body through the bloodstream. Clinical signs of oral disease can be found in the liver, kidneys, and even the brain. Essentially, oral disease leads to more serious problems.
Fortunately, oral disease can be prevented. With annual exams and dental cleanings, we can help keep your pet’s oral health in good shape. In turn, good oral health will help your pet enjoy many more happy, healthy years with you.
What lurks behind your pet’s smile? Here are some signs to look for that indicate oral disease.
- Redness along the gums
- Tarter on the teeth
- Pus (in severe cases)
- Difficulty eating
- Eats on one side of the mouth
- Pawing at the mouth
- Blood tinged saliva
- Reduced grooming (in cats)