The link between smelly breath and heart disease

Did you know that improving your pet’s teeth could save his life?

There is now clear evidence that dental disease is linked to heart disease.

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

And it’s not only the heart that is affected. The kidneys, liver and lungs can all be infected by the bacteria.

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

How to prevent dental disease:

1. Get your pet’s mouth checked regularly by us – we will be able to spot problems early.
2. Get your pet eating right. A premium quality dry diet is essential for good oral health – we want our pets to chew their food! There are some excellent dental diets available and they really work so ask us for the best recommendation.
3. Brush your pet’s teeth. Yep! This is considered gold standard – just make sure you use a pet approved toothpaste.
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 smells a bit ‘off’, it might be time for a check up.

We recommend a dental check up at least once a year. Did you know a dental check by one of our qualified vet nurses is FREE? Regular checks protect your pet’s heart and might just be saving his life! Please call us for an appointment.