Why Dental Health Matters for Pets: What’s Hidden Under the Gumline

When most pet owners think about dental health, they picture bad breath or visible tartar on their pet’s teeth. But the most serious dental problems in dogs and cats often exist below the gumline, where they can’t be seen - and where they can quietly affect your pet’s overall health.

The Hidden Danger Beneath the Gumline

More than 70% of dogs and cats show signs of periodontal disease by the age of three. This condition begins when plaque builds up on the teeth and hardens into tartar. As bacteria accumulate, inflammation develops along the gumline, eventually spreading beneath it.

Below the gumline, bacteria can:

• Destroy the tissues that support the teeth

• Cause gum recession and tooth loss

• Create painful infections and abscesses

• Enter the bloodstream and impact vital organs

Because pets instinctively hide pain, dental disease can progress significantly before outward symptoms become obvious.

How Dental Disease Affects Your Pet’s Overall Health

Dental problems don’t stay confined to the mouth. When bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream, they can travel throughout the body, potentially affecting major organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Untreated dental disease has been linked to:

• Heart infections (endocarditis)

• Kidney and liver damage

• Chronic inflammation

• Decreased immune function

Maintaining your pet’s oral health is an essential part of protecting their long-term wellbeing - not just their smile.

Signs Your Pet May Have Dental Disease

Many pets continue eating even when their mouths are painful, which makes dental disease easy to overlook. Some common warning signs include:

• Persistent bad breath

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

• Yellow or brown buildup on teeth

• Dropping food or chewing on one side

• Pawing at the mouth or face

• Decreased appetite or behavior changes

If you notice any of these signs, a professional dental evaluation is strongly recommended.

Why Professional Veterinary Dental Care Is Essential

While brushing your pet’s teeth at home is helpful, it cannot address what’s happening below the gumline. Professional veterinary dental care allows your veterinarian to thoroughly assess and treat hidden dental issues.

Veterinary dental cleanings typically include:

• Full oral examination

• Dental X-rays to evaluate bone and tooth roots

• Scaling and polishing above and below the gumline

• Identification and treatment of infected or damaged teeth

Dental X-rays are especially important because many serious problems - such as root infections or bone loss - are invisible without them.

Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Exam Today

Dental health is about much more than fresh breath - it’s about protecting your pet from pain, infection, and systemic illness that can shorten their life. By staying proactive about your pet’s oral health, you’re investing in their comfort, longevity, and overall quality of life.

Contact Connecticut Veterinary Center to schedule a dental exam today. Visit our office in West Hartford, Kensington, or Windsor, Connecticut. Call (860) 233-8564, (860) 229-8960, or (860) 688-2026 to book an appointment today.