Many people assume that dealing with their dog or cat’s unpleasant breath is just part of being a pet parent. In reality, though, that bad-smelling breath is likely a sign of underlying oral health problems. Many pets begin exhibiting signs of periodontal disease before they even reach 3 years of age. By the time they are 5 years old, the vast majority of pets who do not receive routine dental care suffer from tooth or gum problems.

When left untreated, oral health issues can cause serious pain. They can even allow serious infections to take hold and spread throughout your pet’s body, potentially damaging their heart, liver, and/or kidneys.