Is there a connection between oral health and systemic diseases in dogs and cats?

Abstract

Robust evidence on the various relationships between oral health and systemic diseases have been established in human medicine. Some of these connections have been suggested in dogs and cats as well. We have reviewed studies that show connections between periodontal disease (PD) and clinical disease and/or morphological changes in heart, liver and kidneys. Documentation also show correlations between PD and systemic inflammatory responses, liver disease, kidney disease – such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), nephritis, pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis – and diabetes mellitus in dogs. Few studies are available on cats, but studies that indicate a correlation between PD and increase in systemic inflammatory markers, CKD and diabetes mellitus have been reviewed. Treatment of PD can prevent or reduce the prevalence of systemic diseases in humans, and this also seems to be the case to some extent in dogs. Data indicate that several systemic diseases also have a negative effect on oral health. Further studies on all associations are warranted, as this will strengthen present hypotheses and be important in future veterinary medicine. Hopefully, with all these associations, and possible associations, we will emphasize the importance of PD.