According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), some 80% of dogs start showing signs of gum disease by the time they turn 3.
“Veterinarians report that periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed health problem in dogs,” says Dr. Larry Corry, former president of the AVMA. “This can lead to painful infections in the mouth, and in severe cases, these infections can spread and become life-threatening.”