Dental Health Impact on Overall Dog’s Health

Many people think that maintaining dogs’ dental health is about having strong and healthy teeth. Well, it’s not. Good dental health affects your pet’s overall health. Dental issues may cause or be caused by other health issues such as diabetes and Cushing’s Disease, which may cause periodontal disease in dogs.

Maintaining good dental health in your pet isn’t difficult. It requires regular brushing, dental checkups, and professional teeth cleaning. You can also add dental treats for dogs to your pet’s daily routine. Dental sticks and other types of dental treats help keep dogs’ teeth clean and prevent plaque.

Dental Health and a Dog’s Overall Health

You know how it’s said that a healthy body starts with a healthy mouth? It’s true!

The mouth is a gateway into your body. What your dog consumes and how they process the food in their mouth affects their overall health.

How does good dental health affect your dog’s overall health?

1. Prevents bad breath

You can’t expect your dog’s breath to smell like roses, but a breath smelling too bad to handle is definitely not good. Bad breath means there’re bacteria buildups on your pet’s teeth, tooth infections, or rotten teeth. It’s also an early sign of dental disease.

Taking proper dental care will keep your pet’s teeth healthy and clean. It will prevent bacteria buildup and infections. And, there won’t be bad breath.

2. Prevents tooth loss

Poor dental hygiene leads to teeth damage and infections. The teeth crack and break or loosen and fall out. By maintaining your pet’s oral hygiene, you’ll prevent tooth loss and ensure your dog’s teeth-supporting structures remain strong and healthy.

3. Prevents plaque buildup & gingivitis

Bacteria buildups create a thin yellowish film on your pet’s teeth, known as plaque. If not cleaned every day, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Tartar inflames the gums surrounding the teeth and causes gum inflammation, known as gingivitis.

Gingivitis can be painful and causes other health conditions affecting your pet’s body. The only way to prevent it is by brushing your pet’s teeth every day and taking them for regular deep teeth cleaning at the vet.

4. Delays dental disease development

Dental disease affects over 80% of dogs over the age of 3. While it may not be prevented, it can certainly be delayed. Regular brushing, professional teeth cleaning, and regular dental checkups are the best ways to prevent dog dental disease at an early age.

5. Prevents organ damage

Poor dental care not only leads to dental disease but also damages your pet’s organs. The bacteria in the plaque enter the bloodstream and spread throughout your pet’s system damaging their heart, liver, and kidneys. This makes your dog pretty sick and may even shorten their life. And, while all this sounds scary, maintaining good oral hygiene can prevent it.

6. May extend your pet’s life

Proper dental health can extend your dog’s life for up to 5 years. Brushing their teeth twice a day and using dog dental chews will prevent plaque. This not only prevents dental disease but also allows your dog to live a happy, healthy, and longer life.

Summary

Dental health has a great impact on your pet’s overall health. Clean and healthy teeth promote good health. On the other hand, poor dental hygiene leads to teeth damage, teeth and root infections, and organ damage.