Dental care for a dog
Many dogs in the Netherlands suffer from dental or gum problems. Studies show that as many as 85% of dogs have these problems. Good dental care is just as important for dogs as it is for you. Without proper dental care, plaque and tartar develop. Plaque contains many bacteria that can cause gum inflammation. As a result, teeth can become loose and may eventually fall out.
How can I recognize dental problems in my dog?
Dental problems can be recognized by:
- Bad breath
- Difficulty chewing
- Sensitive gums.
It is recommended to brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week with special dog toothpaste. Start when your dog is 2 to 3 months old. It is also important to buy good chew products that your dog can bite on. These help reduce the formation of plaque and dental problems. Rubber chew toys often have openings where you can put something tasty, such as dental-care treats.
Strong and healthy teeth in dogs
A puppy begins to get its first baby teeth at around 3 weeks of age. The baby teeth are complete after 2 months, with a total of 28 teeth. The timing of tooth replacement varies by breed, but on average it starts at around 3 months. Once a dog is six months old, its adult teeth are usually complete. The adult set consists of 42 teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canine teeth and 26 premolars and molars. Sufficient calcium in the food is essential for strong and healthy teeth. It is also important to give your dog enough chew toys to stimulate blood flow to the gums. However, be careful with sharp and hard objects; these can damage or wear down the teeth or even cause them to break. Dental problems can usually be recognized by reduced appetite, swollen gums and excessive drooling. Contact your veterinarian if your dog shows these symptoms.
How can I recognize plaque on my dog's teeth?
Dogs' teeth are naturally smooth and bright white. After eating, food particles always remain in the mouth. Plaque accumulates mainly on the outer surfaces of the teeth. It is a sticky, pale yellow substance made up of saliva and food particles, and it provides a breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria cause inflamed gums, and the plaque hardens into tartar. You may still be able to remove plaque yourself, but not tartar.
How can I recognize tartar on my dog's teeth?
Tartar is the main cause of bad breath. It is a yellow-brown, chalky deposit on the teeth, caused by bacteria reacting with food particles in the mouth. Food becomes trapped between the tartar and the gums, where it starts to decay and causes a buildup of bacteria that gradually spreads. Tartar puts pressure on the roots of the teeth. The teeth then become loose and may fall out. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream from the mouth and subsequently reach the kidneys and heart. This can cause inflammation in the kidneys and heart, potentially leading to serious consequences.
Bad breath in dogs
Besides tartar, there are many other causes of bad breath, such as eczema on the lower lip. After eating, you can reduce the risk of eczema by cleaning and drying the skin folds beneath the mouth thoroughly. You can also use zinc ointment or calendula ointment. Older dogs in particular may have bad breath because of inflammation in the oral mucosa or gums.
