Just like people, dogs need regular dental care, but unfortunately, dental hygiene for dogs is sometimes overlooked.
Few pawrents brush their dogs’ teeth frequently enough.
Plaque builds up on the teeth and turns into hard tartar, also called calculus. Plaque and tartar harbor bacteria that
eat away at the teeth and gums. Halitosis, periodontal disease, oral pain, and tooth loss can occur. However, the
bacteria not only cause disease in the mouth; they can also affect other parts of the body, like the heart and kidneys.
Poor oral hygiene
Dental disease begins early in life. By the age of three, most dogs would have some degree of dental disease. The
early signs of dental disease in pets include bad breath, yellow tartar buildup on the teeth, and red and swollen gums.
Receding gums and rotten teeth
Early detection of your pet’s dental disease is vital. If left untreated, it will progress to cause chronic pain and
inflammation. To detect dental disease before it negatively affects your doggo’s quality of life, vets usually
recommend dental evaluations as part of your pet’s regular preventive care exam, which should take place at least
once a year.
Dental hygiene is just as important to your dog’s overall health as things like nutrition, proper exercise, and routine
grooming. There are several things you can do to help keep your dog’s teeth in good shape. Start a dental care
routine as early as possible in your dog’s life and stick with it.
Some vets may also recommend a professional dental cleaning, which would require general anesthesia. During the
procedure, your dog’s teeth and gums will be examined closely for problems. The teeth will then be scaled and
polished to slow the redevelopment of tartar. While some dog groomers may offer teeth cleaning services, don't
expect to get a deep cleaning. They can brush the dog's teeth just like you could at home, but for a thorough,
complete cleaning, the teeth need to be cleaned under the gumline. This isn't something that should be done while
the dog is awake. Some dogs need dental cleaning once a year, while others maybe once every 2 to 3 years. Be
sure to follow your vet's recommendations.
