Dog Dental Care and Diseases

Dog Dental Care

Humans and dentists are never a good combination, but spare a thought for our furry friends who unfortunately don’t escape dental problems either. Dental problems are often quoted as one of the most commonly diagnosed health issues in dogs, particularly for canines over the age of three.

With your dog’s teeth and gums vulnerable to disease, they could end up in pain or worse, as dental problems can also upset the metabolism of a dog. Lack of, or poor dental care, can also leave bacteria in the system, and this has been known to enter a dog’s blood stream and even damage internal organs. Some of the different problems you need to be aware of include:

Plaque:  Just like humans, dogs can have plaque collecting on the outsides of their teeth. Food debris, saliva, and the bacteria living off the food remains in the mouth, will combine to form plaque, which if not removed, will accumulate.

Tartar/Calculus: This is plaque that hasn’t been removed from the mouth, and has been left for 3-5 days or more. During this time, plaque can combine with minerals to form tartar or calculus, which can be irritating to a dog’s gums. This irritation can cause gingivitis, and bad breath. Look out for a reddening of the gums close to canine teeth.

Periodontal Disease: This is essentially the next stage in the process, as tartar builds up further, this time under the gum line. The result is a separation of the deep boned structures of the jaw from the teeth, which in turn forms pockets and abscesses, which are rich breeding grounds for bacteria. If your dog’s teeth deteriorate this badly, then the damage cannot be fixed. Your dog may lose his/her teeth, suffer from bleeding gums, internal organ damage, and may have problems eating as well.

Trauma: Damage to the teeth can also be caused by excessive and vigorous chewing on hard objects, or through accidental injuries during games. If you notice broken teeth when you check your dog’s mouth, try and divert them away from very hard objects, to play with softer dog toys.

So what can be done to help care for your dog’s teeth at home? The best advice given is to start monitoring and caring for your dog’s teeth early, before they’ve even lost their puppy teeth. Early sessions could involve gently wiping your dog’s teeth with a washcloth to get them used to the process. You can then invest in a special canine toothbrush available from most vets. With this you can start by using warm water and applying the brush to the teeth, and later on, progress to using toothpaste.

You could also give your dog special dental chews which help reduce plaque and tartar, and take him/her for regular check-ups at the vet. If need be, your vet can professionally clean your dog’s teeth, prescribe oral gels, flush the mouth with antibacterial washes, or if needed, take care of any further treatment.  It’s better to be safe than sorry though, so brushing your dog’s teeth regularly and monitoring them at home can help avoid a lot of these problems.