Dental health in dogs

 

Many dogs in the Netherlands suffer from dental or gum problems. Studies show that as many as 85% of dogs walk around with these problems. Well-groomed teeth are just as important to the dog as they are to you. When there is no good dental care, plaque and tartar are created. There are many bacteria in plaque that can cause inflammation in the gums. Then teeth can become loose and possibly also fall out.

 

How do I recognize dental problems in my dog?

Dental problems can be recognized by:

  • Eand bad breath
  • Chewing
  • Sensitive gums

It is recommended to brush the teeth at least 2 times a week, with a special dog toothpaste. Start at the age of 2 to 3 months of age. In addition, it is important that you buy good chewing articles that the dog can bite on. This reduces the formation of plaque and dental problems. With rubber chew toys there are often possibilities to put something tasty in it such as dental care cookies.

 

Strong and healthy teeth in dogs

A puppy begins to get the first milk teeth when he is around 3 weeks old. Het milk teeth is complete after 2 months,a totalof  28 teeth. Changing the teeth differt  per breed,  but on average it starts around 3 months. Once a dog is six months old, the adult teeth are usually complete. Now the teeth have 42 teeth and molars: 12 incisors, 4 canines and 26 molars.  For strong and healthy teeth, sufficient lime in the feed is essential. Furthermore, it is important that you give enough chew toys to your dog that stimulate the blood flow of the gums. Pay close attention with sharp and hard objects; these can damage, wear out or even break down the teeth. Problems with the teeth can usually be seen due to a decreased appetite, swollen gums and a lot of drooling. If you experience these symptoms, contact your veterinarian.

How do I recognize plaque on dog teeth

By nature, the teeth of dogs are smooth and muscle white. After eating, there are always residues of food left in the teeth. Plaque is most left behind by the outside of the teeth. It is a sticky, pale yellow material, consists of saliva and food residues and forms a place for bacteria. The bacteria cause inflamed gums and the plaque calcifons into tartar. You could remove the plaque yourself, not the tartar.

 

How do I recognize tartar on dog teeth

Tartar is the biggest cause of bad breath. It is a yellow-brown chalky load on the teeth and molars, caused by bacteria that react to food residues in the mouth.  Tartar leaves food between the tartar and gums, which starts to rot and results in a build-up of bacteria that slowly spreads. Tartar strains the roots of the teeth and molars. The teeth then loosen and can fall out. For example, bacteria can enter the bloodstream from the oral cavity and then enter the kidneys and heart. Inflammation can then occur in the kidneys and heart, which can lead to serious consequences.

 

Bad breath in dogs

In addition to tartar, there are many other causes of bad breath, for example, an eczema on the lower lip. After eating, you can reduce the risk of eczema by thoroughly cleaning and drying the skin folds under the mouth. You can also use zinc ointment or calendula  ointment. Especially in older dogs, the breath can smell because there is inflammation in the oral mucosa or gums.