{"id":721,"date":"2025-02-17T10:16:39","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T18:16:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eastsacvet.com\/blog\/?p=721"},"modified":"2025-02-03T10:18:14","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T18:18:14","slug":"how-dental-disease-affects-your-pets-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eastsacvet.com\/blog\/how-dental-disease-affects-your-pets-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Dental Disease Affects Your Pet\u2019s Health\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Your pet\u2019s wagging tail or comforting purr may seem to say, \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d but what if their mouth is telling a different story? Poor oral health in pets is a hidden threat that impacts more than just their teeth. Surprisingly, it affects their entire body! Today, the team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center<\/a> will share how those pearly (or not-so-pearly) whites play a pivotal role in your furry companion\u2019s overall wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Beyond Bad Breath: The True Effects of Dental Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dental disease is one of the most common yet overlooked health issues in pets. Most pets have it by the time they’re three or four years old!<\/a> Worse still, the effects of dental disease on pets go way beyond bad breath or yellow teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plaque and tartar buildup lead to inflamed gums, pain, and eventually, serious infections. Left untreated, these infections can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream, wreaking havoc on major organs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suddenly, what started as gum disease<\/a> becomes a health problem that affects your pet’s whole body. She might experience kidney issues, liver damage, or, most alarmingly, heart complications\u2014all because of unchecked oral health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mouth-Body Connection:  How Dental Health Affects Overall Pet Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How does something as small as a tooth affect your pet\u2019s entire body<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How dental health affects overall pet health comes down to the connection between oral bacteria and systemic inflammation. AKA, inflammation throughout your pet’s body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dental disease doesn\u2019t stay confined to the mouth. It spreads through the bloodstream, which is how it can harm your pet\u2019s heart, kidneys, and other vital systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The link between pet heart disease and dental issues is particularly alarming. Bacteria from untreated oral infections can lead to endocarditis. This is a serious condition where the heart\u2019s inner lining becomes inflamed. Plus, pets with poor dental health are at a higher risk in general of developing heart disease, which could significantly shorten their lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping That Smile Healthy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Protecting your pet from the dangers of poor oral health in pets starts with prevention<\/a>. Here’s what you can do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n