Dental Care for Dogs

Who needs dental care?

If your dog is 2 years of age or older, statistics say he already has plaque and tartar build up on his teeth and probably needs a dental cleaning. If he's over 6 years of age, he's also likely to have periodontal disease. How will you know? Bad breath is often the first warning sign of inadequate oral health care.

Isn't bad breath normal in dogs?

Unfortunately, bad breath among our dogs is so prevalent that it is common for dog owners to believe it is normal. However, the real reason that so many dogs have bad breath is simply dirty or infected teeth and gums. The problem begins when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on your dog's teeth. Plaque harbors the bacteria, which can infect gum tissue and the roots of the teeth. As periodontal disease progresses, gums begin to bleed, bacteria starts to grow in the pockets created around the teeth, and this infection can then travel into the bloodstream where it can affect the heart, liver and kidneys. Chronic periodontal disease often results in the loss of supporting muscle and bone structure and the teeth eventually fall out.

Home Dental Care

1. No type of home dental care can beat a toothbrush and toothpaste. That's because you can reach back molars as well as canines--something other chewing devices cannot adequately cover. Many dogs like the taste of pet formulated toothpaste and will agree to brush when there's a tasty incentive involved!

2. Please do not use human toothpaste or baking soda on your dog. Human toothpaste contains ingredients, which may cause gastric upset and foaming in the mouth. And the high sodium level of baking soda may cause problems in some dogs, especially those with a heart condition.

3. A diet of dry food is better than moist food because it doesn't stick to the tooth surface as easily. This does not mean that just any dry food or crunchy treat will clean your dog's teeth! They simply decrease the accumulation of tartar build up better than canned food.

4. Another great way to help keep your dog's teeth clean is to offer chews as a treat.

5. If you have a puppy, now is the best time to start home dental care. Older dogs need a gradual introduction, starting with simply handling the mouth, and slowly moving to toothbrushes and water.

Who is at the most risk for dental problems?

1. Dogs that eat soft food rather than dry kibble.

2. Small breeds of dogs tend to have more problems than large breeds.

3. Breeds of dogs with a lot of muzzle hair such as poodles, schnauzers and terriers.

4. Breeds that tend to open their mouth to breathe are more prone to tartar because their mouths become dry.

5. Dogs that chew on hard objects can suffer fractures in the tooth enamel and/or broken teeth.

6. Developing teeth in puppies are susceptible to damage from viruses and drugs.

Signs and Symptoms of Poor Oral Health

• Persistent bad breath.

• Sensitivity around the mouth.

• Pawing at the mouth.

• Loss of appetite.

• Plaque (may not be obvious).

• Bleeding, inflamed gums.

• Tartar (creamy brown, hard material coating on teeth).

• Loose, missing or infected teeth.

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