Dirty teeth can lead to serious disease

Writer Dr Hilldidge Beer

Few pet owners pay much attention to their pet’s teeth until the animal is in pain. What we don’t realise is that infected gums and rotten teeth lead to more serious ailments which can be life-threatening.

Pets are brilliant at disguising pain. It’s an instinctive survival mechanism so they won’t show discomfort until they’re in a really bad way. By the time this happens, disease has progressed to the point where radical intervention is needed and this can mean very expensive vet’s bills.

This is true of their teeth too. Unless you actively care for your pet’s teeth and check them regularly, you won’t know there’s a problem, yet periodontal disease is incredibly widespread. It is by far the most common cause of tooth loss among dogs; more than 85% of dogs over the age of four are affected to some degree.

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