When we think about maintaining our canine friends' health, we all think about exercise, nutrition, and regular checkups at the vet. But there's one factor that sometimes takes a backseat until something is wrong—dental disease in dogs. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from painful oral conditions that cause malaise in their overall well-being, such as dog tooth decay and gum disease in dogs. The good news: With some knowledge and diligent care, you can protect your dog's teeth at home and sidestep much of what torments them in the dental arena.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the most common dog dental diseases, signs to watch out for, and practical at-home preventive care tips that every pet parent in the US should know.
Oral health is more than a smug smile and pearly white teeth. Dogs with poor oral health may develop infections, chronic pain, and systemic disease that involves the heart, liver, and kidneys. Research has shown that more than 80% of dogs at three years old already show signs of gum disease.
Neglecting dental care not only puts your dog's smile at risk—it can also shorten their lifespan. That is why becoming knowledgeable about dog dental disease and how to avoid dental disease in dogs has to be part of your pet owner routine.
Let us consider oral diseases most frequently met in dogs.
The most prevalent condition, periodontal disease, is really gum disease in dogs. It starts with plaque accumulation, which hardens into tartar. Left untreated, the bacteria penetrate the gums and tooth holding structures. The tooth may be lost and painful in severe cases.
Though less common in dogs than in humans, tooth decay does occur in dogs. Bacteria and food bits that combine form acids that erode the tooth enamel. Dogs on high-carbohydrate diets are more prone to this problem.
This is the earliest stage of gum disease in dogs, marked by tender, red gums that will bleed on chewing or brushing. Fortunately, gingivitis can be reversed with good oral hygiene in dogs if detected early.
Crunching hard bones or toys, as well as mishaps, can cause cracked teeth. Fractures, if left untreated, can expose the pulp and lead to infection.
While not as common, tumors and infections due to bacteria are serious dental issues that require immediate veterinary attention.
Pain is also hidden in dogs, so owners might struggle to notice dental issues early. Be on the lookout for these signs:
Should you notice these signs, your dog may already have dog dental diseases, and a visit to a vet is in order.
The best way to dog dental diseases is prevention. The good news is that there are simple steps to take at home in order to maintain your pup's oral health.
Brushing is the best in the prevention of canine dental problems. Daily brushing can be beneficial to dogs, as with humans. Start gradually and connect with praise and reward.
Dog teeth brushing tips:
By following these brushing dog teeth tips, you can stop tartar from building up and prevent dog tooth decay in its tracks.
Special toys and chews are made to scrape away plaque and gently massage gums. Use products that have been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). These devices are especially helpful if your dog is not cooperative with brushing.
Some pet food manufacturers formulate foods that reduce plaque and tartar. These products have a large kibble size or texture special that pushes plaque away as your dog chews. While not a replacement for brushing, they are part of overall mouth health for dogs.
Dental water additives are comparable to canines' mouthwash. They kill bacteria, provide a cooling breath, and help prevent dental problems in dogs. Sprays can even be sprayed into the teeth and gums directly for added protection.
Put yourself in the practice of checking your dog's mouth each week. Lift his lips, check the gums, and look for tartar or broken teeth. Discovering issues early on can help to avoid more serious dog dental illnesses.
Despite regular home care, professional cleaning by your vet is required. Your vet will clean beneath the gum line—home care cannot accomplish this. Most US veterinarians recommend a yearly dental exam and cleaning, especially in small breeds that are more prone to gum disease in dogs.
When professional care is required:
Normal checkups by a veterinarian are essential to prevent dental disease in dogs and detect underlying conditions before they become full-blown.
There are dogs that are more prone to dental issues than others. Some of them include:
Breed: Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Yorkies are more prone to gum disease in dogs because of tooth crowding.
Age: Senior dogs are at a higher risk of dog tooth decay and tooth loss.
Diet: Wet or soft food diets may contribute to greater plaque accumulation.
Genetics: As in people, genetics plays a role in dentistry.
Recognizing these risk factors keeps pet owners on their toes with canine oral hygiene.
Here are some myths.
Myth 1: Bad dog breath is normal.
Fact: There is some odor, but persistent bad breath generally points to dog dental disease.
Myth 2: Dogs naturally clean their teeth by chewing on bones.
Fact: Chewing is an aid, but it can't substitute for brushing and regular cleaning by a vet. Bones can crack instead of holding off canine tooth decay.
Myth 3: Older dogs need dental care.
Fact: Preventing dental problems in dogs early on is a great idea—even puppies can have mild brushing regimens.
A routine makes oral hygiene second nature. The following is a simple routine to follow:
Daily: Brush the dog's teeth or provide a dental chew.
Weekly: Check your dog's mouth for any signs of gum disease in dogs.
Monthly: Provide a water additive or schedule a more thorough cleaning session.
Annually: Visit your vet for a professional clean and dental checkup.
Consistency is the secret to healthy oral health in dogs.
Diseases of the teeth and gums in dogs are not only common but preventable. From dog tooth decay to gum disease in dogs, all these diseases cause a lot of pain and illness if left unchecked. Thankfully, simple procedures like brushing dog teeth tips, the upkeep of chews, and coming in for checkups go a long way towards preventing dental diseases in canines. Think of dental care as part of your dog’s daily wellness routine, just like exercise and feeding.
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