Did you know that your pet's oral health affects more than just their mouth? 

Your pet's mouth is a gateway to both their gut and airways. Any infection and inflammation in the mouth can enter the body through these routes, causing far-reaching effects. 

This is especially problematic in senior pets, who are more likely to already have other diseases, such as chronic kidney disease in cats or mitral valve disease of the heart in dogs. Therefore, it is that much more important to address dental disease in senior pets.

Plus, periodontal disease is often painful, thanks to the gum inflammation (gingivitis), bone infection and even tooth and jaw bone loss that it causes. For some pets, the level of discomfort may prevent them from eating or playing regularly, further affecting their quality of life.

You can see that although achieving fresh breath is a wonderful benefit of oral health, a healthy mouth and clean teeth are even more important to safeguard your senior pet's overall well-being.

While regular oral examinations, tooth brushing and dental cleanings are the best way to ensure your senior pet’s teeth and gums are healthy, your veterinarian may also recommend at-home dental products to help maintain your pet’s oral health. However, many dental products are not appropriate for pets with moderate or severe dental disease. Always check with your veterinarian to make sure dental products such as chews are right for your pet.