12 Complications That Arise When Dogs Have Poor Dental Health

Many dog owners don’t pay enough attention to the dental health of their dogs. But ignoring this aspect of their livelihood can lead to severe complications. Here are 12 of them.

1. Septic Fever. Dental infections can enter the bloodstream and poison it, leading to septic fever or shock.
2. Oronasal Fistulas. This disease refers to the hollowing of the nasal cavity and mouth’s passages. Surgery is needed to correct it.
3. Loss of Appetite. The pain from dental infection or damage can prevent a dog from eating.
4. Bad Breath. Tartar buildup occurs when you don’t brush your dog’s teeth, and this can cause very bad breath.
5. Receding Gums. Periodontal disease in an advanced stage can cause gums to pull back, increasing risk of tooth loss.
6. Bone Infection. When dental infections travel into the bloodstream, they can get to bone marrow and eat away at it.
7. Liver Disease. Toxins from dental infection can find their way to the liver, causing damage to its function.
8. Gingivitis. Gum disease can happen when teeth are not well cared-for, causing them to swell and bleed.
9. Endocarditis. This infection of the heart also comes through the body’s bloodstream, and it can be fatal.
10. Bone Loss. The jawbone can become weak due to cavities, which can further affect bone tissue and lead to the loss of bones.
11. Lowered Immunity. Bacterial infection can take up all of a dog’s immune system’s energy, causing overall lowered immunity levels.
12. Vision Loss. Untreated infections can cause tooth root abscesses, which lead to pus buildup that affects eyesight.

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