Dental Disease in Dogs

We all know how important it is to keep our teeth clean and to avoid plaque and tartar build up; our dentists have been telling us this for years. But it’s equally as important to maintain our dog’s dental hygiene.

Dental disease is one of the most common preventable illnesses in pets, affecting more than 75% of dogs over the age of three. Infections of the teeth and gums can cause pain, loose teeth and even damage to the kidney and heart.

Common forms of dental disease
The most common form of dental disease is plaque build up, which is a soft mixture of bacteria, food and saliva under a dog’s teeth, especially near the gums. The plaque eventually hardens and becomes tartar, the second most common dental problem. Both irritate the tissue around the tooth and its root. This results in bad breath, bleeding, pain and possibly losing the tooth entirely.

Broken teeth are also common in dogs, especially with dogs that chew on hard objects such as rocks and bones. Injured or bleeding teeth require immediate veterinary care.

How to prevent
To prevent dental disease, brushing your dog’s teeth and providing plaque-reducing treats at home will help. Always check with your veterinarian before using these products and remember that treats alone will not substitute daily tooth brushing.

Your pets should also have annual dental check-ups with your veterinarian. If there is significant plaque and tartar accumulation, your veterinarian will probably recommend a dental cleaning for your dog. These preventive measures will keep your pet’s mouth healthy and free of bad breath and painful gums. It can also prevent dangerous oral infections, which can distribute bacteria to vital organs through your pet's bloodstream.

Check out Pet Healthipedia
For more information relating to other diseases, illness or accidents in your pet’s life, visit Petsecure’s Pet Healthipedia for hundreds of articles, videos and breed profiles.

Comments

[dog insurance]

my dog hates the dog toothpaste that the vet prescribes us so we give him those treats with a special coating to sort his teeth out.