Dental health care is vitally important to your dog’s health, according to the AVMA. Dental issues can cause, or be caused by, other health issues.  As with your own teeth, a dog’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once every six months by a veterinarian.

If you notice any of the following issues with your dog, you might want to have his or her mouth checked sooner:

• Bad Breath / Broken, Loose or Discolored Teeth

• Abnormal Chewing / Drooling or Dropping Food from the Mouth

• Reduced Appetite / Refusal to Eat

• Swelling, Bleeding or Pain in the Mouth

Here are the top five reasons why healthy teeth are vital to your dog’s health:

1. ORGAN DAMAGE

Dental disease can lead to problems with a dog’s organs, including the heart. Bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream which in turn can infect the heart.

2. TOOTH LOSS

Caring for your dog’s mouth can save your dog’s teeth. A dog’s teeth can fall out if not given proper care, which can be painful and lead to other health issues. Full grown dogs have 42 teeth, and before the adult teeth come in, baby teeth fall out. Sometimes, some of the baby teeth won’t come out. This can lead to gum irritation and tartar buildup.

3. PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Plaque build up on dog’s teeth can lead to periodontal disease. Regular cleanings and checkups can keep plaque from building up. Periodontal disease can lead to more serious problems.