5 Consequences of Rotten Dog Teeth

Reviewed and updated for accuracy on December 10, 2019, by Dr. Natalie Stilwell, DVM, MS, PhD

It’s a fact—most dog owners never take a good look inside their dog’s mouth. And that’s unfortunate, because it’s estimated that over 80% of dogs have significant dental health issues.

Far too often, veterinarians discover during the physical exam that their canine patient has serious dental disease. Loose, discolored teeth, a foul odor to the breath and infected gums are just a few of the signs of canine periodontal disease.

And rotten dog teeth aren’t just their own issue; they can cause many other serious health problems. If your dog’s dental care hasn’t been top of mind, here’s why it should be.

How Poor Oral Hygiene Affects Your Dog

If left unaddressed, dental disease can cause progressive issues that put your dog’s entire body and overall health at risk.

Here are some of the health problems that can result from periodontal disease.

Gum Inflammation

Beneath the gumline, the bacteria associated with plaque release toxins that damage the surrounding tissues.

White blood cells then enter those areas in an effort to destroy the bacteria. This process causes significant inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis.

The inflammation causes the gums to look abnormally red and puffy, and the tissue may bleed when touched.

Pathologic Jaw Fracture

Inflammation also commonly leads to periodontitis, or loss of the supportive, structural tissues surrounding the teeth.

When white blood cells attempt to clear accumulating bacteria, the resulting inflammatory process erodes the supporting tissues of the tooth. Over time, this destruction causes structural weakening of the tooth sockets and jaw bones.

Symptoms of periodontitis include loose teeth and infection or fracture of the jaw.

Kidney and Liver Disease

Oral inflammation allows bacteria in the mouth to enter directly into the bloodstream. Once circulating, these bacteria can travel to and establish in other organs, especially the liver and kidneys.

Organ infection (like liver disease or kidney disease) and failure are well-documented consequences of untreated canine periodontal disease.

Heart Disease

Chronic inflammation from periodontal disease can also increase a dog’s risk of heart disease.

Circulating bacteria can cause an inflammatory condition known as endocarditis. Studies have also shown that dogs with dental disease have an increased risk of congestive heart failure, a progressive and potentially fatal disease.

Loss of Weight and Appetite

Dental issues may cause feeding to become an uncomfortable or even painful process for your dog. As a result, they may be reluctant to open their jaw and chew food properly, and may drop food from their mouth while eating.

Over time, the reluctance to eat can take a toll on your dog’s body condition, leading to weight loss.

Poor appetite and weight loss may also indicate that dental disease is causing chronic problems in the liver, heart and kidneys.

Routine Dental Care Is Essential for Prevention

The best way to maintain your dog’s oral health is to take appropriate preventative measures to protect their teeth before symptoms occur. When performed consistently, these simple steps can help minimize the buildup of the bacterial film that leads to plaque and tartar.

If your dog is already showing signs of tooth decay, go see your veterinarian right away before it leads to even more serious issues.

By: Dr. Natalie Stilwell

Featured Image: iStock.com/Django

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