From Prevention Cleanings to Cost Effective methods to Maintain a Healthy Dog’s Mouth
Hey Canine Readers,
Many dog owners are unsure of the current state of their dogs dental health, from dental cleanings to maintaining a healthy dog’s mouth there are many ways we can prevent dental disease and ensure out pets live their healthiest lives.
The dog’s mouth’s primary functions are eating, social interaction, communication, protection, grooming and heat regulation. The act of eating requires a complex interaction of the muscles of the jaw, teeth, tongue and upper throat. These functions can become compromised through trauma, disease, dehydration and malnutrition. An oral exam should be done yearly by your veterinarian as well as frequent dental health checks by you the owner as well. Oral disease if left untreated can lead to death in extreme cases.
How Clean is your Dog’s Mouth?
True your dogs mouth is cleaner than yours, doesn’t necessarily make it clean. There is an entirely different ecosystem or microbiome in your dogs mouth. This makes it hard to draw comparisons between dogs and human mouths. Don’t worry dog kisses are totally Safe!
How to Maintain Proper Dental Health through Cleanings and Prevention?
It is important to realize you are the first person to help in the prevention of dental disease in your dog. Brush your dog’s teeth frequently and often. In fact yearly vet visits with your vet should include a oral exam and a chat about dental cleanings as another form of prevention. It is recommended at 4-5 years old to begin routine dental procedures to prevent and maintain a healthy mouth. Greenies are also a good dental treat for prevention as well.
Dental Diseases to watch out for and Prevent from occurring:
Plaque is a soft film of bacteria and food debris that accumulates every day and sticks to the surface of a dog’s teeth. Although the mechanical forces of brushing easily remove plaque. In fact if plaque is removed daily, a dog’s teeth and gums will stay healthy preventing dental cleanings and possible tooth removal.
Tartar are minerals found in a dog’s saliva that will harden this plaque into this dental calculus. In fact tartar firmly attaches to the teeth.
Gingivitis is when tartar starts to go below the gum line, gums appear red, irritated and inflamed.
Periodontitis – supports soft tissue and bony tissue of the tooth is damaged.
Tooth root abscesses most commonly affect the large premolar teeth and a dog will often present with a painful soft swelling directly under the eye.
Symptoms your dog may have Dental Disease
Difficulty eating
Drooling
Pawing at the teeth or mouth
Discharge from the nose
Swelling under the eyes
Bad breath
Tooth discoloration or visible tartar
Loose or missing teeth
Red, swollen or bleeding gums
Weight loss or loss of appetite
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Happy Training!