Dental disease (more correctly called Periodontal Disease) has become increasingly recognised as a major source of unwellness in our cats and dogs.
It is estimated that about 80% of cats and dogs over 3 years of age will accumulate tartar, which represents bacterial infection accumulating over the tooth and underneath the margins of the gum.
Whilst this may look innocuous, it has a significant effect on both the tooth attachment (ultimately leading to loss of the tooth) but more importantly the spread of bacteria from this infection into the bloodstream and affecting other parts of the body such as heart valves, kidneys and liver.
Treatment at an early stage is relatively simple, however as the disease spreads further and deeper under the gum margins, the effects of this disease are more significant and treatment more involved.
So like most things in life, early identification and treatment iis the most simple (and cheapest) remedy.
