Dental disease is the most common health problem in adult dogs, and regular preventive care can dramatically reduce the pain and systemic health impacts of oral disease.
Periodontal disease causes chronic oral pain from inflamed gums, loose teeth, and bone loss that affects dogs' ability to eat comfortably and enjoy play involving their mouths. Like cats, dogs mask dental pain effectively, meaning their suffering often goes unrecognized until disease is advanced. Systemic spread of oral bacteria to the heart valves, liver, and kidneys causes organ damage that shortens lifespan. Regular home dental care and professional monitoring prevent this suffering at relatively low cost.