From Gums to Heart: How Dental Disease Impacts Your Pet's Whole Body

The Mouth-Body Connection

When plaque and tartar build up on your pet's teeth, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Over time, this leads to inflammation and infection in the gums, known as periodontal disease.

But here's where it gets concerning: those bacteria don't just stay put. They can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums and travel to your pet's internal organs, where they may cause damage.

Heart Trouble Linked to Dental Disease

Research shows a strong connection between dental disease and heart conditions in pets, especially something called endocarditis, an infection of the heart's inner lining. It's most commonly linked to bacteria originating from the mouth.

While not every pet with dental disease develops heart issues, the risk is higher than many pet parents realize. Preventing infection in the mouth can protect more than just teeth; it can protect lives.

Other Organs at Risk

The liver and kidneys filter the blood, so when bacteria from the mouth circulate, these organs can be affected too. Over time, chronic dental infection may contribute to organ strain or failure, particularly in older pets or those with existing health conditions.

Signs Your Pet Might Be at Risk

Many pets show no obvious symptoms until dental disease is advanced, but there are some red flags:

• Bad breath

• Bleeding gums

• Difficulty eating or chewing

• Excessive drooling

• Loose or missing teeth

• Swelling around the mouth or face

If your pet is showing any of these signs, it's time for a dental check-up.

Why Professional Cleanings Matter

Even with daily brushing, professional dental cleanings are essential for removing plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of your pet's teeth. This helps reduce the bacteria in their mouth and improves their overall comfort and health.

At Pawsitive Care Veterinary Clinic, our dental cleanings are performed under anesthesia for a thorough and safe experience. We remove tartar, perform extractions, and assess your pet's oral health so we can catch issues early and guide you on next steps if further care is needed.

February Special: 10% OFF Dental Cleanings!

There's no better time to invest in your pet's health. For Dental Health Month, we're offering 10% off professional cleanings throughout February.

A clean mouth today could mean a healthier heart tomorrow.

Keep That Mouth Healthy at Home

Between professional cleanings, you can help prevent disease with a few simple habits:

• Brush your pet's teeth daily or several times a week

• Use dental chews or treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)

• Try water additives or oral rinses that fight bacteria

• Offer dental toys that promote natural cleaning

We can recommend safe, effective options based on your pet's needs (and tolerance levels; we know brushing isn't always a walk in the park).

Make Dental Care Part of Whole-Body Wellness

Dental care isn't just cosmetic. It's a critical part of your pet's overall health plan. By preventing dental disease, you're also protecting the organs that keep your pet strong, active, and by your side for years to come.

Ready to take action?

Call Pawsitive Care Veterinary Clinic to schedule your pet's dental exam and cleaning this February. Let's protect their heart, one tooth at a time.