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Mira Mar Vet, your local vet in Albany

A healthy mouth for a happy heart

by | Feb 9, 2018 | Pet Care

A healthy mouth for a happy heart

Did you know that improving the condition of your pet’s teeth could lead to a healthier heart?

This is because there is plenty of evidence that dental disease is linked to heart disease. Here’s how it works…

Plaque and tartar that build up on the teeth lead to infection of the gums. Bacteria from this infection travel in the blood stream around the body and can cause infection in the heart. This commonly occurs in the heart’s lining and valves and is known as endocarditis.

And it’s not just the heart that can be impacted by an unhealthy mouth. The kidneys, liver and lungs are also at risk.

The good news is that many of these problems can be reversed if dental disease is resolved and dental hygiene is improved.

Top tips to prevent dental disease:

  1. Get your pet’s mouth checked regularly by us – we are here to pick up on problems early.
  2. Get your pet eating the correct diet. A premium quality dry diet is essential for good oral health. There are some excellent dental diets available and they really work so ask us for the best recommendation.
  3. Brush your pet’s teeth. This is considered gold standard – be sure to use a pet approved toothpaste. Ask us for more information.
  4. Lift the lip and have a smell. If you notice any yellowing of the teeth or redness of the gums OR your pet’s breath is a bit smelly, it is time for a check up.

We recommend a dental check up at least once a year. Regular checks protect your pet’s overall health and can be life saving!