How the Bacteria in Your Pets’ Mouths Affects Their Organ Health

Celebrating National Pet Dental Health Month

While the truth the statement “your dog’s mouth has less bacteria in it” is dubious, what is true is that your pets’ mouths ARE full of bacteria, and the balance of that bacteria is crucial to their health.

Smell That?

If your pets routinely have bad breath, it may be because the bad bacteria in their mouths. When the harmful bacteria in your pets’ mouths take over, they cause an infection in the gums, causing smelly breath.

Both good and bad bacteria naturally live in the plaque on your pets’ teeth. When the plaque hardens, it turns into tartar. Plaque and tartar are harmful to the teeth and gums, causing the gums to become inflamed.

From the site of inflammation, the bacteria can then enter the bloodstream and attack the heart, kidneys, liver and lungs.

Sound dramatic?

That’s why your veterinarian probably recommends that you routinely brush your pets teeth, and, if there are signs of gum disease, they may have recommended a professional cleaning.

Important Enough to Have Its Own Month

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three.

That’s why the organization has deemed February National Pet Dental Health Month for several years in a row – to raise awareness of the importance in keeping pets’ teeth clean and healthy.

Take a few moments this month to look in your pets’ mouths and see if their gums and teeth look healthy and clean. Those few moments could save your pets’ lives!

For more helpful information of your pet’s oral health care, Follow Teddy’s Pride on Twitter and Join Us on Facebook for fun activities and promotional events.

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