Dental hygiene is often ignored in the dog, yet keeping teeth and gums clean is an important part of your dog’s overall health. Periodontal disease starts as bacteria and plaque on teeth and progresses into a disease that can cause tooth decay, bleeding gums, tooth loss, and even damage to the heart and other internal organs.

Despite the popular conception, dog biscuits and bones alone are not enough to it does not prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. Canine teeth also need regular brushing, this is especially important for especially for smaller dogs. In smaller dogs, the bone that holds the teeth is thinner so gum disease can be more of a problem.

Common Canine Dental Problems

Oral disease is the number one health problem diagnosed in dogs. Periodontitis, or periodontal disease, is the most common dental problem. It is caused by plaque, a mixture of bacteria and food debris forming forms a on the teeth and gums. As plaque gets into pockets under the gumline, bacteria eats away at the bone that holds the teeth (called resorption of the bone).
If plaque is not removed, minerals in the saliva combine with the plaque and form tartar (or calculus) which can stick to the teeth like cement. Plaque starts to mineralize 3-5 days after it forms.

If the tartar is not removed, it builds up under the gums. It separates the gums from the teeth to form “pockets” and encourages even more bacterial growth. At this point the damage is irreversible, and called “periodontal” disease. It can be very painful and can lead to loose teeth, abscesses, and bone loss or infection. As bacterial growth continues to increase, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream. This can cause infection of the heart valves (endocarditis), liver, and kidneys. If treated by your veterinarian with special instruments and procedures, periodontal disease can be slowed or stopped.

Gingivitis, or gum disease, is an inflammation of the gum tissue. It does not affect the deeper structures of the teeth. Without treatment, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, bone loss, loosening of the teeth, and eventually loss of teeth.

Tooth fractures. The second biggest problem for dogs and their teeth is that hard chews can break the teeth, leading to infection inside the tooth (called endodontic disease). Dogs can break their teeth surprisingly easily, just from crunching down on hard rocks, cow hooves, and other tough substances.

Preventing dog dental problems

You can prevent periodontal disease by eliminating plaque before it becomes tartar. The best way to do this is through brushing your dog’s teeth. This reduces the amount of bacteria in the mouth, which also has the added benefit of keeping your dog’s breath smelling sweeter. Try to brush your dog’s teeth every day.

Toothpaste. Brush your dog’s teeth with toothpaste made for dogs. People toothpaste is designed for people to spit out. Dogs can’t do that, so you need to use one that’s safe for the dog to swallow.

Toothbrush: Introducing a toothbrush is a process of building confidence and trust. Gentle encouragement works best. One way of getting your dog used to a toothbrush is to take some garlic salt, mix it with water, and dip an old toothbrush into it. Hold the brush, and let your dog lick or chew the brush. The dog will realize that a toothbrush is good and that it tastes good. You can do this a few times so the dog won’t be scared of the brushing process, and will let you brush daily.

Dogs’ teeth touch only in one or two places, and their teeth are narrow. A toothbrush reaches 90% of the area that needs to be cleaned. The toothbrush doesn’t always reach the teeth that are farthest back in the dog’s mouth, but this is not the most important area. Chewing on a cotton rope bone can help clean those back teeth.

Finger brush. Instead of using a toothbrush, you can use a finger brush. A toothbrush is better, but a finger brush is a good alternative. It fits onto your fingertip and lets you brush your dog’s teeth almost without your dog knowing it. The drawback of using a finger brush is that the bristles are a bit too large to get under the margin of the gumline as effectively as a regular toothbrush.

Mouthwash. There are two sprays on the market that work very well to help kill bacteria in the mouth and may actually heal damaged gum tissue.

Professional cleaning: Another important part of making sure that your dog’s teeth and gums are clean is to have the teeth professionally cleaned by your veterinarian. A veterinarian will anesthetize your dog, scrape all of the plaque buildup from above and below the gumline, and then polish the teeth.

Home checkup: Get in the habit of looking in your dog’s mouth to check for broken or cracked teeth.

Summary of tips on brushing your dog’s teeth:

• Start dental care when your dog is a puppy. For older dogs, be patient. You can slowly acclimate your older dog to a teeth-cleaning regimen.
• Use a toothbrush designed for dogs.
• Use a specially formulated pet toothpaste, in flavors such as chicken and other tastes your dog prefers. Pet toothpastes will not upset your pet’s stomach and may make brushing a pleasant experience.
• Pay close attention to the upper molars and canines.
• Brush in short sessions.