How Your Pet’s Dental Health Affects Their Heart

Keeping your pet’s pearly whites clean might seem like a minor task, but research suggests that bad dental hygiene puts them at risk for a host of cardiovascular issues.

We at Coast to Coast Cardiology are here to explain the tight link between your pet’s oral and heart health, including tips on how to keep them healthy.

A Gateway for Germs

Just like humans, both dogs and cats have mouths teeming with bacteria, which enables plaque to build up on teeth and along the gum line.

If left unchecked, these bacteria can invade the bloodstream through inflamed gums, which is a condition known as periodontal disease. Once in the bloodstream, these pathogens can travel throughout the body, potentially infecting vital organs like the heart.

Inflammation

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition. Chronic inflammation throughout the body is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in humans, and many studies suggest a similar correlation in dogs and cats.

The constant low-grade inflammation associated with periodontal disease can damage blood vessels and contribute to the development of heart disease. This inflammation can also impact your pet’s blood sugar, which can result in or worsen diabetes.

Blood Clots

Bacteria that enter the bloodstream from infected gums can also contribute to blood clot formation. Blood clots can block arteries, leading to heart attacks or strokes.

By maintaining good dental health and preventing bacterial overgrowth, you can help reduce your dog or cat’s risk of dangerous blood clots.

Signs of Distress

While bad breath is a common clue, pinpointing dental issues in dogs is notoriously tricky. Look out for other signs like red, swollen, or bleeding gums, which signal inflammation and potential infection.

Difficulty chewing or dropping food could also indicate pain, while a complete loss of appetite might suggest the discomfort is severe enough to skip meals. Lastly, wiggly teeth are a serious sign of advanced dental disease that requires veterinary attention.

Oral Hygiene Tips

  • Brushing: Regular teeth brushing with a pet-specific toothpaste is the gold standard for dental care. While cats might be less enthusiastic about it, there are specially designed brushes to make brushing easier.
  • Regular dental cleanings: Schedule professional dental cleanings with a trusted veterinarian to remove tartar buildup that cannot be removed at home.
  • Dental chews: Choose dental chews with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which signifies they are effective at reducing plaque and tartar buildup. There are specific dental chews designed for both dogs and cats.
  • Dental treats: Dental treats can be a helpful supplement to brushing.

If you are concerned about your pet’s heart health, don’t hesitate to visit Coast to Coast Cardiology. We have ten different locations, but we deliver on one goal no matter what: treating the patient, not just the signs. To schedule an appointment, contact us online or call 844-582-3827 today!