There’s a serious health problem plaguing up to 80% of our cats and dogs — that’s more than suffer from cancer, heart disease and obesity. Believe it or not, periodontal, or gum, disease is the number one medical condition affecting pets.
Bacterial buildup on teeth causes tartar, which leads to gum inflammation. If the tartar is removed, the tissues heal. If not, the inflammation spreads to bones supporting the teeth, resulting in periodontal disease.
But that’s not all. Subsequent bleeding, pain and tooth loss make it difficult for some pets to eat. And if bacteria enter the blood stream, they can be carried to numerous organs, causing severe illness or worse.
That’s why it’s important to schedule annual dental checkups with your veterinarian. Keeping your pet’s teeth healthy is an investment in their future.