February is National Dental Health Month. Our pet’s oral hygiene is just as important as ours. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, periodontal disease, also known as dental diseases, is the most common clinical condition occurring in adult dogs and cats and by three years of age, most dogs and cats have some evidence of periodontal disease. Unfortunately, periodontal disease goes beyond bad breath and can present multiple problems in the oral cavity and internal organs.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures surrounding the teeth including the gums. Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s teeth and gums but it can also lead to deterioration of the jaw bone and impact their overall health. The bacteria involved in dental disease circulate through the blood stream and can negatively affect the heart, kidneys and other organs.
