Bad breath is a symptom of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is when bacteria gets beneath the gums, destroying tissue surrounding the teeth. If left untreated, your pet could lose his teeth.
Additionally, bacteria festering in the gums could enter the bloodstream and travel to his kidneys, heart and liver, causing serious health issues, reducing quality of life, and even shortening his life span.
Dogs and cats whose teeth aren’t brushed daily are more susceptible to periodontal disease, but even a pet with spotless teeth can have this disease beneath the gum line.
This is why a dental cleaning is performed under general anesthesia. Anesthesia is important because the most serious health concerns are caused by disease beneath the gum line, which can only be detected and treated while under general anesthesia. It also ensures that Jack doesn’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
