{"id":78,"date":"2026-02-03T11:33:33","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T16:33:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tenwestvet.com\/blog\/?p=78"},"modified":"2026-01-29T13:34:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T18:34:39","slug":"importance-of-pet-dental-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tenwestvet.com\/blog\/importance-of-pet-dental-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Importance of Pet Dental Care"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Importance<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/span>Understanding your pet\u2019s overall health can be as simple as looking inside his or her mouth. While a long, healthy life depends on factors such as nutrition, disease prevention, and exercise, it can also hinge on the state of your pet\u2019s teeth and gums. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With routine exams, professional cleanings, and at-home brushing, your pet can avoid serious health issues. Want to learn more about pet <\/span>dental care<\/span><\/a>? Look no further!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why it Matters<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Plaque and tartar build up over time and can eventually lead to periodontal disease. Shockingly, most pets over the age of 3 exhibits at least one stage of periodontal disease (gingivitis is stage one; tooth extraction is stage four). What\u2019s worse, bacteria created by plaque can cause gums to bleed, allowing the bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This can result in systemic infections of the heart, liver, or kidneys.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chain Reaction<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beyond bad breath and bleeding gums, poor dental hygiene can manifest in the following ways:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n