Beyond Bad Breath: The Dangerous Health Risks of Untreated Pet Dental Disease
If your dog or cat’s breath could peel paint, it’s easy to joke about "dog breath"—but foul odor is usually the first sign of an active infection. By age three, the vast majority of dogs and cats suffer from some degree of periodontal disease.
Our veterinary team at Kem Road Animal Hospital provides comprehensive pet dental care—including professional cleanings, digital dental imaging, and oral extractions—for pet owners in Marion, Upland, Sweetser, and Gas City.
5 Signs Your Pet Needs a Dental Checkup
- Pungent, Persistent Bad Breath: A strong odor caused by underlying bacterial buildup.
- Visible Tartar: Brown or yellow crust accumulating along the gumline.
- Inflamed or Bleeding Gums: Redness or bleeding while eating or chewing on toys.
- Reluctance to Eat: Dropping food, chewing on one side of the mouth, or crying while chewing hard kibble.
- Excessive Drooling: Uncharacteristic salivation or pawing at the face.
How Dental Infections Attack the Whole Body
Periodontal disease doesn't stay confined to your pet's mouth. When gums are inflamed, mouth bacteria constantly bleed into the bloodstream, putting continuous stress on major internal organs:
- Heart Health: Increases the risk of endocarditis and heart valve damage.
- Kidney & Liver Strain: The organs responsible for filtering blood are forced to constantly fight off escaping oral bacteria.
- Jawbone Loss: Deep infections destroy the socket tissue around the tooth, leading to painful fractures and tooth loss.
What Happens During a Veterinary Dental Cleaning?
Under safe anesthesia, we perform a thorough oral exam, scale away hardened plaque above and below the gumline, polish the enamel to prevent future buildup, and safely extract any damaged or painful teeth.
Protect your pet's smile and overall health. Schedule a dental consultation with the team at Kem Road Animal Hospital today!
