Every dog owner wants their dog healthy and full of energy. Dogs’s dental health care is vital for the overall well-being of your furry friend. Neglecting a dog’s dental health can have serious consequences. Therefore, taking care of your pet’s teeth is crucial; otherwise, it can cause periodontal diseases. Periodontal disease is the most common disease presented at clinics, and 80 percent of the dogs suffer by the age of 3 years. Caring for your dogs is much simpler than it seems, as you brush your teeth daily. Here in this article, we will explain how you can always keep dog teeth clean and healthy.
Types of Teeth in Dogs
An adult dog has a total of 42 teeth. These can be divided into four types.
1. Incisors
These are located in front of the mouth (upper and lower jaw). These teeth are used for grasping, nibbling, and grooming. There are a total of 12 in number, 6 in each jaw.
2- Canines
Canines are located next to incisors and used to tear off or hold food or objects. These are four in number, 2 in each jaw.
3-Premolars
These are located behind the canines. They are used for shearing and chewing of food. There are a total of 16 premolars in dogs, equally divided in each jaw.
4-Molars
They are present at the back of the mouth. They are specialised for grinding food. There are 10 molar teeth in dogs, 4 in the upper jaw and 6 in the lower jaw.
Signs of dental disease in dogs
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Loose or missing teeth
- Tartar Buildup (yellow or brown deposits on teeth)
- Pawing at the Mouth (sign of discomfort)
- Weight loss (due to reluctance to eat)
- Change in behaviour
Common Dental Diseases
Here some common diseases that destroys dog dental health care.
1-Periodontal Diseases
Most common dental disease in dogs caused by buildup of tartar and plaque around teeth.
2-Gingivitis
Inflammation of gums is called gingivitis. It’s the early stage of periodontal disease, which can be reversed with proper care and treatment.
3-Tooth Fractures
Fractures of teeth can result from chewing on hard objects by dogs. It exposes their pulp, which is painful and can lead to inflammation.
4-Tooth Root Abscess
If dental disease is left untreated, it can cause severe infection at tooth roots. Symptoms include swelling of the face and pus discharge.
5- Stomatitis
Stomatitis is inflammation of the entire oral cavity, usually caused by immune system disorders. Symptoms include excessive drooling and ulcers in the mouth.
6-Malocclusion
Malocclusion is an abnormality in teeth or jaw alignment. It causes discomfort and chewing difficulty in dogs. Dog can’t properly close their mouth, and pain in jaws occurs in this condition.
7-Tooth Loss
Advanced periodontal disease results in tooth loss. This condition is more common in older dogs or dogs suffering from chronic dental disease. This results in loose teeth, difficulty eating, and gaps between teeth.
How to improve dog dental health?
- Regularly brush your dog’s teeth with canine toothpaste. These pastes contain added flavours that are suited for canine buds. Therefore, brush your dog’s teeth once daily to maintain oral hygiene.
- Add dental powders to your dog’s meal as they reduce buildup of tartar and plaque on your dog’s teeth. They are typically sprinkled over dog food.
- Visit your vet if your dog is showing halitosis (bad breath). It is not normally present in normal dogs; therefore, it is a sign of potential dental infection.
- Add dental water additive to your dog’s drinking water. They freshen up breath and improve the oral hygiene of dogs. In addition, they are an easy-to-use and non invasive method compared to brushing.
- Dental wipes for dogs are pre-moistened wipes designed to clean teeth and gums by removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria. They are infused with antibacterial and breath-freshening ingredients. Moreover, they are ideal for dogs that dislike brushing.
- Dental toys are specially designed chew toys that clean teeth, massage gums, and reduce plaque and tartar. All this while entertaining dogs.
Home Remedies for Dog Dental Health Care
1-Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is excellent for a dog’s dental health as it has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It reduces plaque and freshens up breath. So, rub coconut oil directly on your dog’s gums or mix it in food.
2-Carrots and Apples
Crunchy fruits and vegetables naturally clean away a dog’s teeth. They help clear plaque and tartar buildup. Additionally, chewing can stimulate saliva production, which can help wash away food particles and bacteria, promoting better oral hygiene. Offer theses in small and bite-sized pieces.
3-Probiotics
Probiotics are live organisms that are beneficial for dogs. When they are administered, they balance oral microorganisms and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. They are given as supplements or mixed with food.
4-Turmeric Paste
Turmeric has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A small amount of turmeric mixed with coconut oil reduces inflammation and fights bacteria.
5- Adequate Hydration
You should always provide an adequate quantity of water to a dog. It washes away food particles and bacteria, cleaning the mouth.
Common misconceptions
Some people think bad breath, or halitosis, is normal in dogs, but that is not the case. Because bad breath could be a sign of tartar buildup, dental disease, and infections. So, if your dog is experiencing bad breath, visit the vet immediately and follow the routine dog dental.
Another common misconception is that dogs don’t need regular dental care because they can clean their teeth by chewing. Although they can clean their teeth by chewing to some extent, it cannot replace the need for regular teeth brushing and professional cleaning. Therefore, if it’s not taken seriously, it can cause periodontal diseases, which are very painful.
When to see the vet:
It is important to visit when you observe any signs of dental issues and discomfort in a dog. Here are a few signs that you must visit your vet.
- Persistent foul odour from dog’s mouth. It may be due to bacterial infection.
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease.
- Excessive drooling and difficulty swallowing are signs of infection and oral pain.
- Chewing on one side due to dental pain.
- Yellowish or brown teeth indicate a buildup of plaque, which can turn into tartar.
Conclusion
These are some of the common dental diseases and their signs in dogs. We also discussed home remedies to treat dental issues in dogs. And if this doesn’t work, when to visit the vet. We also discussed how you can improve the dental health of your furry. In the end key take is you must build dog dental health care routine for overall wellbeing of your animal.
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