1 in 8 Dogs Has Dental Disease – Does Yours?
Here are four common dental problems your pup might face and how to treat them
Here’s a question: do you know where your dog’s toothbrushopens in a new tab is? If not, put one on your list of things to buy the next time you do the big shop, along with a tube of made-for-dogs toothpaste (human toothpaste is toxic to dogs).
According to a study from the Royal Veterinary Collegeopens in a new tab, one in eight dogs suffers from dental disease every year. That’s a lot of pups suffering from preventable pain. Left unchecked, oral bacteria can enter your dog’s bloodstream and cause damage to their heart, liver, kidneys and lungs. Below, learn about some of the most common dental problems in dogs and how you can help prevent and treat them.
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opens in a new tabDental diseases in dogs
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is the most commonly occurring disease in dogs and cats. The bacteria on the teeth form an off-white, sticky layer called dental plaque. If the plaque isn't removed it hardens to form tartar (a brown, rough deposit on the teeth) within days. The bacteria within plaque and tartar attack the gums and cause inflammation of the gum tissue.
Plaque damages the gum tissues and then the other structures which attach to the teeth (such as ligaments and bone). This is a painful process and if left untreated, the tooth will become loose and eventually fall out. Dogs are stoic animals and they hide pain well, providing an oral care regime at home and having your pet’s mouth checked regularly by your vet or vet nurse, can help to prevent this condition.
Plaque
Plaque is a soft biofilm that contains bacteria and toxins. Plaque accumulates on the surface of dog teeth within hours after dental cleaning; if it mineralises, tartar (calculus) forms.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis in dogsopens in a new tab is the reversible form of periodontal disease, affecting only gingiva (the gums). As inflammation continues, the gum detaches from the dog’s tooth, creating a pocket. Toxins from plaque bacteria and enzymes from inflammatory cells cause further destruction of periodontal tissues.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the more severe form of periodontal disease in dogs. It results in attachment loss, gingival recession, and loss of alveolar bone, which loosen the tooth and puts it at risk of falling out. In dogs with multi-rooted teeth, the furcation between two roots becomes exposed. Bacteria, toxins and inflammatory mediators may also be released into the bloodstream, allowing them to travel throughout the body and cause harm to important organ systems.
Dental diseases and small breed dogs
No matter how big or small your dog is, they have 42 teeth. If they’re one of the toy or short-nosed breeds, those teeth are likely to be crowded, which means greater potential for developing dental problems.
Dental treatment options
Your dog should generally have an annual oral examination performed by a veterinary health care professional. The amount of dental deposits (plaque and tartar) and the condition of the gingiva (colour, texture and shape) will dictate the need for placing your pet under anaesthesia to have dental scaling and periodontal therapy performed.
Although anaesthesia will never be 100 percent risk-free, modern anaesthetic and patient-evaluation techniques minimise the risks, and millions of dentistry and oral surgery procedures are safely performed each year.
Anaesthesia-free dental cleaning is also an option, though it too is best performed in the vet’s office. But there is much more pain with this procedure, and it’s not one we recommend.
Preventing dental diseases in dogs
Daily brushing is one of the easiest things you can do to protect your dog’s overall health. Most plaque buildup occurs on the cheek side of your dog’s teeth, so when brushing, concentrate your efforts there. Granted, few dogs will step up to the bathroom sink and let you give their teeth a good scrubbing, but patience and a few positive-reinforcement techniques while brushing can help your dog be more cooperative.
Use oral hygiene aids
While an effective home oral hygiene program consists of daily tooth brushing, you can also use other oral health care products (for example, rinses/gels, chew toys, dental treats) to get a little more help. Look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Councilopens in a new tab (VOHC), a worldwide organisation of veterinary dental health professionals who research the claims and efficacy of pet dental products.
Brush with toothpaste
When oral hygiene is less than optimal, plaque can mineralise within two to three days, forming tartar that resists being easily brushed off. All you need is a soft-bristled and appropriately sized toothbrush, veterinary toothpaste, some patience and one minute each day.
Toys can help, too
Certain toys and treats can be used in combination with daily toothbrushing. It’s important that anything you give your dog to eat or play with isn’t too hard. The enamel on dog’s teeth is much thinner than human enamel and alongside the powerful bite-force of their jaw they can easily damage their teeth.
The general guide is that if you wince at the thought of biting down on something then it is too hard for your dog to have. Tennis balls are a real favourite for many dogs, however, the fibres on the ball are very abrasive and are known to wear away the enamel of the teeth for dogs who regularly play with them.
Raw bones
You may hear raw bones suggested as a dental aid. However, raw bones should not be given to dogs. They are too hard and can cause damage to teeth and gums. Pieces of bone break off and can be swallowed and cause intestinal blockages. Otherwise they can splinter and cause bleeding, pain and discomfort as they pass through. In short, keep raw bones out of the equation.
Your vet can help
When your dog goes in for their annual examination, your vet will check out their teeth and gums and may recommend a thorough cleaning, which requires anaesthesia. Vet nurses will often offer oral health checks twice a year to help you maintain a good, healthy mouth for your dog.
Once your dog is trained for toothbrushing, it takes just a couple of minutes a day and taking care of their oral health makes for a happy, healthy best friend.
