How Dental Health Affects Your Pet’s Body—The Heart

Dental health is about far more than clean teeth and fresh breath. In dogs and cats, dental disease can have a direct impact on one of the most important organs of all—the heart.

When bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream, they can travel throughout the body and cause damage to vital organs. The heart, in particular, is at risk. Here’s how poor dental health can affect your pet’s heart, what signs to watch for, and how you can help protect them.

The Mouth–to–Heart Connection

Dental disease begins with plaque—a sticky mix of bacteria and food particles—that hardens into tartar. Tartar irritates the gums, leading to gingivitis and eventually periodontal disease, where infection spreads deeper into the tissues that support the teeth.

Once the gums are inflamed and weakened, bacteria can slip into the bloodstream. This process, called bacteremia, allows harmful oral bacteria to circulate throughout the body, including the heart.

What Does the Heart Do?

The heart is the engine of the body. It pumps oxygen-rich blood to every organ and tissue, keeping your pet alive and well. Any condition that interferes with the heart’s ability to function has serious consequences for overall health.

How Dental Disease Affects the Heart

When bacteria from the mouth reach the heart, they can attach to the heart valves and cause infective endocarditis—a dangerous infection of the inner lining of the heart.

Over time, this infection can:

• Damage the heart valves, making it harder for the heart to pump efficiently

• Lead to abnormal heart rhythms

• Cause blood clots that may affect other organs

Even when endocarditis does not develop, the chronic inflammation linked to dental disease puts added strain on the cardiovascular system, especially in older pets.

Research shows that dogs and cats with advanced dental disease are at greater risk of developing heart conditions, making prevention all the more important.

(Image credit: PetMD)

Signs to Watch For

Because both dental disease and heart disease can be “silent” in the early stages, many pets show few outward symptoms until the condition is advanced. Here are some possible warning signs:

Dental signs:

• Bad breath

• Bleeding or receding gums

• Loose or missing teeth

• Difficulty eating or chewing

Heart-related signs:

• Coughing, especially at night or after exercise

• Rapid or laboured breathing

• Reduced stamina or reluctance to play

• Fainting or collapse

• Weakness or lethargy

If you notice any of these signs, your pet should be seen by a vet promptly.

Protecting the Heart Through Dental Care

The best way to reduce the risk of heart complications from dental disease is prevention:

• Brush your pet’s teeth daily with a pet-safe toothpaste

• Book regular dental checks with our vets to catch problems early

• Use dental diets and chews designed to reduce plaque and tartar

• Schedule professional dental cleans under anaesthesia when recommended by our vets

• Include heart checks during routine wellness visits, especially for senior pets

Final Thoughts

Dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth—it can travel through the bloodstream and put your pet’s heart at risk. By prioritising dental care, you’re not just helping your pet avoid painful teeth and gums—you’re protecting their heart and overall wellbeing.

A healthy mouth really does mean a healthier body. Speak to our vets about your pet’s dental routine and give their heart the best chance for a long, healthy life.