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 experience these issues. A well-maintained set of teeth 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 inflammation in the gums. This can lead to loose teeth and possibly tooth loss.
How do 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 using a special dog toothpaste. Start when your dog is 2 to 3 months old. Additionally, it is important to buy good chew items for your dog to bite on. This helps reduce the formation of plaque and dental problems. Rubber chew toys often have options to insert treats such as dental care biscuits.
A strong and healthy set of teeth in dogs
A puppy starts to get its first baby teeth around 3 weeks old. The baby teeth are complete by 2 months, totaling 28 teeth. The teething process varies by breed but generally starts around 3 months. By the time a dog is six months old, the adult teeth are usually complete. The adult set consists of 42 teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 26 molars. For strong and healthy teeth, sufficient calcium in the food is essential. It is also important to provide enough chew toys that stimulate blood flow in the gums. Be careful with sharp and hard objects; these can damage, wear down, or even break the teeth. Dental problems are usually noticeable by reduced appetite, swollen gums, and excessive drooling. If you notice these symptoms, contact your veterinarian.
How do I recognize plaque on my dog's teeth?
Dogs’ teeth are naturally smooth and bright white. After eating, food residues always remain in the mouth. Plaque mostly accumulates on the outer surfaces of the teeth and molars. It is a sticky, light yellow material made up of saliva and food particles and provides a place for bacteria. These bacteria cause gum inflammation, and the plaque hardens into tartar. You might be able to remove plaque yourself, but not tartar.
How do I recognize tartar on my dog's teeth?
Tartar is the main cause of bad breath. It is a yellow-brown, calcified deposit on the teeth and molars, caused by bacteria reacting to food residues in the mouth. Food gets trapped between the tartar and gums, rots, and leads to a buildup of bacteria that slowly spreads. Tartar puts stress on the roots of the teeth and molars. The teeth then become loose and can fall out. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and reach the kidneys and heart. This can cause infections in these organs, 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 chance of eczema by keeping the skin folds under the mouth clean and dry. You can also use zinc ointment or calendula ointment. Especially in older dogs, bad breath can be caused by inflammation in the oral mucosa or gums.
