Depending on the degree of disease in the mouth, a dental cleaning could be very necessary. Any dental specialist would tell you that even with Grade 1 Periodontal Disease (mild tartar accumulation) a dental cleaning would be recommended. When severe dental disease is encountered on a physical exam, such as severe tartar accumulation, tooth loosening, infection and bad breath, a dental procedure is highly recommended and should be performed for the safety of the animal.
Not only is periodontal disease painful but it poses great risk to all body systems. Bacteria from the mouth can get into the bloodstream and attack the heart valves, liver and kidneys.
Once the mouth is clean and healthy after a dental cleaning, measures can be taken to prevent dental disease from recurring.