When it comes to your beloved pet’s health and well-being, it is important to remember that good dental health is just as important as good physical health. Poor dental health can significantly impact their overall wellness, leading to other health problems. As a pet owner, you must pay attention to your dog’s oral health and provide appropriate preventive care.
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In this article, we will explore the importance of canine dental health, how to care for your dog's teeth at home, signs and symptoms of dental disease, common dental diseases in dogs, the importance of early detection and diagnosis, how often to have your vet check your dog’s teeth, and what a professional dental cleaning for a dog is like. At Thornwood Veterinary Clinic, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality and best service to pet owners, and we are here to help you ensure that your dog’s teeth and gums remain healthy and happy. If you live in or near Ada, MI and would like to schedule an appointment for your canine companion, please call (616) 676-1251.
How Does Dental Health Impact My Dog’s Overall Health?
Periodontal disease is common in dogs, affecting at least 80% by age three. It begins with plaque buildup, which hardens into tartar. Tartar below the gum line is particularly harmful, causing infections and damaging the jawbone and connective tissues between the teeth and jaw.
Advanced periodontal disease causes severe pain and may lead to other health problems like kidney, liver, and heart damage. Poor dental care can lead to tooth loss due to infections and damaged teeth and gums. Dental problems also cause bad breath (halitosis), affecting a dog’s quality of life and interactions with their owners.
Severe dental diseases can make eating and drinking difficult. Chewing on hard objects can result in broken teeth, exposing the nerve and causing pain. The exposed nerve can also become infected, leading to more severe dental problems.
How can I care for my dog’s teeth at home?
Home dental care is essential in ensuring your dog’s dental health. Remember, once tartar has formed, nothing but a professional cleaning will help, but there are ways to help prevent or slow tartar formation. Here are five ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy:
- Brushing: Brushing your dog’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for pets and an enzymatic toothpaste (also made for pets) helps remove the bacterial biofilm that forms on their teeth. Start slow and be patient with your dog, making it an enjoyable experience. Brushing ideally once a day, but at least 3 times a week, can slow the progression of dental disease.
- Oral Rinses and Water Additives: Using oral rinses or water additives help rinse away bacterial film accumulating on the gum tissue.
- Dental Wipes: Dental wipes can help remove plaque and bacterial film from the dog's teeth and gums, though they are less effective than brushing.
- Dental Diets and Chews: Special dental diets and chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) can help reduce plaque when given in addition to brushing and other at-home care methods.
- Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule regular dental evaluations as part of your dog's annual preventive care exam. Early detection of potential problems can prevent severe dental issues down the line. Thornwood Veterinary Clinic offers comprehensive professional dental cleaning services for dogs to ensure their oral health is properly managed.
What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of Dental Disease in Dogs?
Knowing the signs and symptoms of dental disease in dogs is crucial when it comes to ensuring your pet’s health. Here are some of the most common signs to look out for:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Bleeding or inflamed gums
- Discolored teeth (brown or yellow)
- Loose or missing teeth
- Irritability
- Weight loss
- Bloody saliva
- Decreased appetite
- Favoring one side of the mouth when chewing
- Excessive drooling
- Blood in the water bowl or on chew toys
- Decreased interest in eating dry food or hard treats
- Chewing more slowly than usual
- Dropping food from the mouth while chewing
- Pawing at the mouth
- New or worsening resistance to having the face/mouth touched
- Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage and health problems.
What Are Some Common Dental Diseases in Dogs?
The most common dental diseases in dogs include periodontal disease, gingivitis, oral tumors, oral cysts and proliferative dog gum disease. While not diseases, tooth fractures, malocclusion (abnormal bite alignment) and retained baby teeth are also very common.
Why Is Early Detection and Diagnosis of Dental Disease So Important?
Early detection and diagnosis of dental disease can prevent pain, preserve the teeth and supporting structures and protect vital organs from infection. Regular veterinary check-ups are important for detecting dental problems before they become more serious. Pet owners can also ensure their pet’s dental health by brushing their teeth regularly, providing them with appropriate dental chews or toys, and monitoring them for any signs of dental issues, such as those mentioned above.
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How Often Should My Dog’s Teeth Be Checked?
Most veterinarians recommend having your dog’s teeth professionally examined at least once a year. Senior pets and smaller breeds, especially dachshunds, tend to have more dental problems than healthy adult dogs and may require more frequent check-ups. Furthermore, if your dog shows signs of gum disease, your veterinarian may recommend more frequent cleanings and exams to prevent the condition from worsening.
What Is a Professional Dental Cleaning Like for a Dog?
Professional dental cleanings for dogs should involve a thorough examination, including digital dental x-rays, teeth scaling, and polishing. This is done under general anesthesia to ensure that the procedure is comprehensive and safe. During the cleaning, the veterinary team will remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line and any other debris or evidence of infection. They will also examine the gums and jawbone for signs of periodontal disease. Severely diseased or broken teeth may require removal or root canal, depending on the condition. Afterward, the teeth are polished with a special paste to give them a smooth surface to reduce future bacteria accumulation.
Conclusion
Dental health is an essential part of your dog’s overall well-being. Ensuring their teeth and gums remain healthy can help prevent more serious health problems. As a pet owner, you should watch for signs of dental disease and schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with your veterinarian at least once a year. Home care, such as brushing regularly, providing dental chews or toys, and using oral rinses or water additives, can help maintain your pet’s dental health. Thornwood Veterinary Clinic is dedicated to delivering the highest quality and best service to pet owners, so you can rest assured that your pet’s dental needs will be taken care of properly when you entrust their care to us.
At Thornwood Veterinary Clinic, your pet is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (616) 676-1251, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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