Understanding Your Dog's Oral Health
Dog dental anatomy may be slightly different from ours, but it's no less important. While most human adults have 32 teeth, dogs have 42 teeth, and each one can be susceptible to dental problems if not properly cared for. The extra number of teeth also means that potentially even more attentive care is needed and cleaning all of them properly is even more challenging.
Periodontal (gum related) disease, caused by plaque and tartar build-up, is the most common dental issue in dogs. This is the most common cause of bad breath, painful chewing, and even tooth loss. Taking the plaque away for dogs should therefore solve all these problems.
In severe cases, if the oral health is particulart impacted, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and spread to affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. This is what is known as bacteraemia and unfortunately it comes with a high mortality rate.
Recognizing the signs of dental disease in dogs is crucial to their health and the earlier you start preventing dental problems, the better.
If your dog has bad breath, discolored teeth, or changes in eating or chewing habits, these could be signs of dental problems. Swollen or bleeding gums, drooling, and dropping food from the mouth are also more serious signs that your dog may need immediate attention from a vet.
Importance of Regular Teeth Cleaning for Dogs
Don't under estimate the importance of regular teeth cleaning in dogs. Whichever method you feel comfortable with, do make sure that you at least consider it and check your dog's gums and dentition regularly to avoid any extensive problems later on.
Remember that even straight forward regular teeth cleaning such as specially formulated dog teeth cleaning powder, treats or mouthwash can help prevent the build-up of plaque, thus avoiding the onset of periodontal disease.