What happens if I don't take care of my dog's teeth?
Clark Cormier
2025-07-29 15:59:11
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Tartar can irritate your dog’s gums and provide a rough surface to harbour more bacteria, causing gingivitis (a swelling and reddening of the gums) and can lead to discomfort and bad breath – which you’ll probably notice. Over time, this can progress to severe dental diseases, leading to pain, tooth loss, and even infections that may spread to vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular dental care, including brushing, dental chews, and vet check-ups, is important to prevent these issues.
Greyson Gusikowski
2025-07-29 13:35:05
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I know exactly how dental disease affects pets. I know that the dental tartar you see slowly building up on your pet’s teeth is about 80 percent bacteria and that it damages the gums, the bone beneath and the ligaments that hold teeth in place. This bacteria can gain access to the blood stream and infect vital organs like the heart, lungs and kidneys. I also know that advanced dental disease hurts; it makes pets feel sick. The idea of bacteria from my best friend’s mouth staging a flash mob in one of his vital organs is unacceptable to me. If we don’t want our pets to suffer from the effects of dental disease, we have little choice other than to make room for these expenses in the budget. Daily brushing is the best deterrent.
Hassie Ryan
2025-07-29 13:31:32
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: 12
If left untreated tooth and gum disease in animals can lead to septicaemia and tooth loss. The main thing to be wary of is periodontal disease. This is a build-up of plaque which, if left untreated, can cause the gums to recede, bacteria to enter the bloodstream and sometimes even spread to other organs, like the heart. Untreated tooth and gum disease in animals can also lead to septicaemia and tooth extraction. Treatment for a dog with tooth and gum disease costs £186.52 on average, but some vets say it can be as much as £300. Around 23% of tooth and gum disease is a result of poor (or no) brushing. The problem is, less than a third of owners actually brush their dog’s teeth at all. Gum problems can be expensive to treat, so you could save yourself a lot of money (and your pet a lot of discomfort) by following a few handy pointers.
Cayla Gibson
2025-07-29 11:57:17
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: 16
Ignoring your dog's teeth can lead to plaque build-up and dental problems. Dental disease is very common in dogs, second only to ear infections, and can be extremely uncomfortable - much as it would be for us. Deposits may build up on the teeth, gums will be damaged and bleed, and the mouth may give off a foul smell. The sensitive root of the tooth may be exposed and painful, and teeth may become discoloured and die and fall out. Your dog may also refuse food, have difficulty eating or leave flecks of blood in their bowls. If the affected teeth aren't too bad, they would be scaled and polished to remove mineral deposits. With more severe cases, such as fractured or loose teeth, they may need to be removed. Bones can cause dental fractures with dogs who eat 'energetically', and can cause constipation. Cooked bones are likely to fragment and cause internal damage.
Grady Gusikowski
2025-07-29 11:45:50
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: 15
Tooth decay and gum disease are as common in dogs as they are in people, and just as painful. There are serious consequences for letting your dog's teeth rot. Dogs often begin showing signs of periodontal disease by the time they reach about 3 years of age. This early start to dental disease can have serious negative consequences for their long-term health. The link between heart disease and periodontal disease in dogs is due to bacteria entering the bloodstream from the mouth, damaging heart function and causing issues with other organs. These health issues are in addition to the more obvious problem of pain caused by eroded gums, and missing or damaged teeth. Neglecting annual dental cleaning could put your dog at risk of developing gingivitis, periodontal disease, bad breath, and in severe cases pain, tooth decay and tooth loss. Oral health issues can become severe if left untreated and cause your pet a great deal of pain and discomfort. Regular care will allow your vet to take proactive steps to help avoid advanced tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to pain, tooth loss, and jaw deterioration.
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