Ask the vet: Pets have teeth too – Fort Bragg Advocate-News

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I used to feel that the second most common problem in dogs and cats was dental disease, right after obesity. After performing thousands of examinations, I believe that dental disease is tied with obesity as the most frequent health concern in dogs and cats.
Why is dental disease a concern? First, it is often very painful. I have clients tell me that their dog or cat doesn’t appear to be in pain, but most animals are stoic and do not show pain. Covering up pain is a survival skill. Just because your pet is eating normally, that does NOT necessarily mean that they aren’t experiencing discomfort. This is a very common misconception. The second concern with dental disease is that it can lead to inflammation and infection both within the mouth as well as in other areas of the body, like the heart, kidneys, and liver.
There are many types of dental disease:
Untreated dental disease can actually cause the jawbone to become weak enough to break. As a responsible pet guardian, monitoring and caring for your pet’s teeth is an obligation and is not optional. Along with maintaining your pet’s optimal weight, caring for their teeth is the most important thing you can do. A pet’s dental disease can be easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Checking your pet’s teeth should be part of a daily routine, along with brushing.
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