When the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, many of us will resolve to do things better in the upcoming year, pay attention to things we let slide, or perhaps put a little more effort into things that need it. If you have let your dog’s oral health go, then now is the perfect time to resolve to put your furry BFF on your list. A dog’s oral care is not just about their teeth; it impacts their overall health, quality of life, and longevity. If you think that brushing is unnecessary and overrated, these are the types of things that can happen if you don’t. Once you read them, you will probably get brushing!
Dental Disease Can Trigger Your Dog’s Immune System Response
Although periodontal disease starts at the gumline, if you don’t address it the bacteria and plaque can begin to affect your dog’s immune system and lead to an inflammatory response. The purpose of an overactive inflammatory response is to kill bacteria, but it can also lead to the destruction of the tissue, which can then lead to dental infections. Over time, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body. When the body is busy fighting off bacteria, it can weaken your dog’s natural defenses and lead to other illnesses.
It Increases the Risk of Heart Disease in Dogs
Two organs that are most susceptible to developing inflammation due to periodontal disease are the liver and the heart. There is evidence that cardiopulmonary disease is linked to periodontal disease. In fact, the risk of endocarditis, which is a cardiopulmonary disease, is about six times greater in dogs with moderate to severe periodontal disease. What typically happens is that the bacteria travels in the bloodstream to the heart valves, where it leads to inflammation and disease.
Dental Disease Can Complicate Diabetes
If you have a diabetic dog, the stakes are even higher if they develop periodontal disease. The more severe one is, the worse the other becomes. Also, infection caused by periodontal disease can affect a dog’s blood-sugar metabolism and decrease the dog’s insulin sensitivity. Typically, the only way to balance a dog’s diabetes is by first addressing periodontal disease.
Periodontal Disease Can Cause Suffering That Might Go Unnoticed
Part of the reason you may think your dog is fine without oral care is because when they are suffering from tooth and gum pain, you might not know it. Subtle signs like drooling or not being able to eat can be overlooked, and they can mean that your dog is in pain and doesn’t need to be. By the time you do confirm that your dog has periodontal disease, it is usually severe and causes a lot of misery.
Dental Disease Can Lead to Broken Teeth and Even a Broken Jaw
Dental disease can often go undetected long enough that it starts to severely affect the gums, tissue, teeth, and bones. An infection in some breeds can predispose a dog to a broken jaw, which can impact your dog’s quality of life, longevity, and ability to obtain sufficient nourishment.
Sometimes dog owners tend to think if their dog isn’t showing any signs that something is wrong, they’re fine. Unfortunately, your best furry friend can’t always tell you when something hurts, which can lead to the problem getting more serious.
If you think that your dog may be having oral issues, it is best to have them examined by a specialist like Veterinary Dental Care to make sure that you aren’t missing anything that could severely affect their overall well-being. Commit to making this year one where you pay attention to your dog’s oral health by scheduling your appointment today!