Is dental disease really a big issue?
Dental disease is a major issue with all cats and dogs. Gum disease is the most diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. Traditionally, by the age of two years old, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have developed some type of gum disease. Also, research shows that 10% of dogs will have a broken or chipped tooth, with nerve or root exposure. This is very painful for the animal until the nerve dies, and then the tooth will become infected. Oral diseases that affect the gums and root canals create bacteria in the blood stream, which can infect other areas of the body. Gum inflammation and infection are linked to many problems: including heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, emphysema, liver disease, osteoporosis, pregnancy problems and diabetes. Oral disease can also cause an inflammation to the pet’s eye, possibly resulting in blindness, if left untreated. Bone loss from chronic infection may lead to a jaw fracture. Infectious oral disease can result in an area of dead, infected bone, nasal infe
