Some people are really offended by their dog’s bad breath. This can be caused by a serious dental problem. Periodontal disease, if left untreated, can also lead to more serious health problems. It can cause your dog to be in serious pain, fighting an infection, and experiencing tooth loss.
The inside of a dog’s mouth is dark, warm, and moist. Pieces of food are mixed with their saliva and contains bacteria and minerals. The mixture will settle on the teeth as plaque. It’s easy to brush off until it hardens into tartar. Then only a professional cleaning will get it off their teeth.
If tartar is left untreated, the bacteria lives in the miniscule nooks and crannies and eventually begins to affect the dog’s gums. It will lead to swelling and bleeding as the gums pull away from the teeth. Tartar has to be treated and the sooner the better.
Dental health for your dog is also a way to ensure a step for his all around physical health.
The majority of adult dogs suffer from some degree of tartar. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that by the time dogs reach age 2, 80 percent have some sort of dental disease.
Keeping your dog’s teeth as clean and healthy as possible is vital to their health. They will live longer and have a better quality of life. Dental tartar can lead to periodontal disease which can lead to an infection.
The infection can also result in bacteria entering the bloodstream and damaging other organs or body systems in your dog. Dental disease can lead to infections linked to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, diabetes, and other life-threatening health problems. Sometimes the damage is irreversible but it can be halted with antibiotics and regular cleaning.
Periodontal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque. The first sign is usually discoloration on the teeth. Without regular dental cleanings for your dog, this plaque builds up and turns into tartar. Tartar can dig into the gums, where bacteria can become trapped in cause and affection.
You should be aware of the signs that will tell you that your dog is having problems with their mouth and teeth. Signs include bad breath, discolored teeth, loose teeth, cowering when the jaw is touched, drooling, dropping food, loss of appetite, weight loss, and bleeding from the gums.
You should speak with your veterinarian about your dog’s dental health. He can give you an evaluation of his current oral health. Checking on an animal’s teeth is part of the veterinarian’s routine exam and can tell the doctor much about your pet’s health. If the veterinarian sees signs of disease they will likely recommend a cleaning for your dog.
Treating Teeth at Home
You can help your dog best by brushing his teeth every day. You need to buy special tooth paste made specifically for dogs. It is usually flavored in chicken or other appealing dog flavor. The toothpaste itself makes it easier to use the toothbrush but the mechanical action used when brushing the teeth is the principal factor in removing plaque bacteria from your pet’s teeth and mouth. It’s possible your dog requires prescription strength toothpaste so run it by your doctor and see what he recommends. You should use only a soft bristled toothbrush to brush their teeth.
The first time you try to brush your dog’s teeth, begin by using your bare finger and rub it on their gums and teeth. This will help them get used to having something in their mouth. Once they are comfortable with this situation, you can add a toothbrush and eventually add toothpaste. You dog can be taught to tolerate this routine through a consistent and positively rewarding training. A minute or two of brushing is all this is needed.
You should hold the brush at a 45 degree angle to the tooth with the bristles pointing towards the gums. Work the brush in a circular motion and move slowly. The first couple of times you try to brush your dog’s teeth will likely require great patience. Start with short sessions. Some dogs will be more resistant than others.
Dog Food and Dental Health
Dogs that get fed canned food tend to have more teeth related problems. Dry food is better for the teeth and removes tartar.
There are certain dry dog foods that result in better periodontal health for your dog. There are two ingredients that can have a positive effect on your dog’s healthy mouth. An extra crunchy texture can provide better mechanical cleansing. There is a coating on some dog foods, called polyphosphate, which helps hinder the development of tartar. You can ask your veterinarian to suggest a dry dog food that would be beneficial for your dog’s dental health.
A team of veterinary dentists and dental specialists formed the Veterinary Oral Health Council which reviews the products and the research that was done to come up with the product. They have a “Seal of Approval” on the products they’ve evaluated and that’s an easy way to shop for dental friendly products.
Certain dog treats help keep the teeth healthy. Rawhide bones and treats help to remove plaque and tartar from the dog’s teeth and help keep his gums in good condition.
Avoid these Snacks
Cow hooves, real bones, and nylon bones are too hard for your dog’s teeth. Avoid giving your dog any of these products. Stick with rawhide.
Annual Cleanings
Beginning about the age of one, your dog should have his teeth examined annually and a cleaning should be performed by your veterinarian. A thorough professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line.
This proactive treatment is aimed at maintaining the natural oral defenses so that serial dental disease and other dental problems have a harder time becoming established.
When the professional treatment is followed up by daily dental cleaning at home it can tremendously extend the positive effects.
Veterinarians recommend getting your dog’s teeth cleaned annually beginning when they turn 3. For some dogs and certain breeds this recommendation can vary. Your veterinarian will outline a schedule for you.
Dental Related Questions Owners Usually Ask
What should I do about broken teeth?
A fractured tooth is one of the most common canine dental emergencies.This can be caused by chewing on something harder than the enamel on the tooth – like rocks, sticks, marrow bones, and hooves. Most dogs will not display any signs of just how bad the fracture is.
This can lead to extreme pain for your dog and can also evolve into a chronic infection, abscess formation, and loss of secondary teeth. You should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. You veterinarian will have to x-ray the problem to evaluate the extent and damage of the break. Performing a root canal may say what’s left of the broken tooth and prevent it from being re-infected. When a root canal is not a viable option, the tooth can be extracted.
What Should I Do If My Dog Has a Discolored Tooth?
Discolored teeth have received trauma and they need to be evaluated with an x-ray by the veterinarian. Usually discoloration translates into pain for your dog and should be addressed by a professional. Usually discoloration is a signal that some level of root canal therapy or extraction is recommended.
Aren’t annual dental cleanings expensive?
The best way to minimize dental costs is to brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis and feed your dog quality food and snacks that encourage healthy teeth and gums.
Dental cleanings may seem like an added monetary burden, that they are actually a very cost-effective investment in your dog’s health. If they are caught early, dental problems are easier to treat. If they are neglected, they can turn into serious, expensive, and painful problems.
Is my dog anesthetized during a cleaning?
We all know how much fun getting our teeth cleaned is – well your dog is not going to lie still while the veterinarian scales their teeth. Cleaning underneath the gums is an uncomfortable procedure. For this reason your dog must be asleep during the procedure.
We cannot explain to the dog what is happening and why it is happening. For that reason, you dog has to be anesthetized. It would be next to impossible to access the entire mouth and gums and perform all the necessary work thoroughly and safely. Your veterinarian will likely recommend pre-anesthetic testing to make sure that there are no hidden health problems that could affect your pet’s ability to undergo the procedure.
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