Canine dental health is important and should not be neglected. However, until this day, there is only a small percentage of dog owners who regularly visit their vets for canine dental check-ups. There is even a much lesser number of owners who regularly brush their dog’s teeth. But vets and experts can’t stress enough just how important it is for a dog to have healthy gums and teeth, and here are some of the main reasons why:
To prevent bad breath
This is stating the obvious. But on a more serious note, if a dog consistently has bad breath, he may have underlying health conditions that could be serious in nature. And there’s a high chance for these underlying health conditions to have stemmed from the failure of the owner to maintain the dog’s oral hygiene.
Periodontal disease, for instance, is notorious for causing bad breath among dogs. While this disease may not be much of a problem in its initial stages, it may cause the infection to spread out to the dog’s bloodstream. It could even reach the point of infecting the organs, which could be life-threatening. So, to prevent the onset of oral-related diseases, start by maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene.
To prevent tooth and gum decay
Tooth and gum decay could lead to something serious if left untreated. If a dog’s gums and the teeth already have abscesses, he is at high risk of developing an infection, not just in the mouth, but also in his critical organs. In extreme cases, bacteria could pass through the crevices of the damaged teeth and through the deteriorated gums, and may go deep into the bloodstream – affecting multiple organs.
To prevent unnecessary systemic changes
If your dog is suffering from painful gums and teeth, he may be doing his best not to show it. But other than the typical oral pain associated with dental issues, your dog could be suffering from extreme pain along the jaw as well. Periodontal disease is also notorious for causing jaw bone loss.
You may not know about it, but periodontal disease can cause not just bone loss but also some changes to critical organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. These changes are microscopic in nature but may cause a variety of organ diseases. It is not only evident in dogs – it’s also evident among humans.
Takeaway
If you wish to maintain your dog’s overall health, it’s really a good idea to take dental health seriously. Remember, by maintaining your dog’s oral health, you will be preventing the onset of serious oral-related diseases.
For starters, you may incorporate canine dental hygiene into your schedule. Brush your dog’s teeth once a day. Treat him with dental chews every now and then. Keep his breath fresh and clean by using dental sprays. And most of all, visit your vet for regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning. By doing all these, you will be doing your dog a huge favor, and you’ll be giving him a shot at living a long and happy life.
