Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is not something dependent on age or breed; it can occur to any dog at any age and is based purely on their lifestyle. Brushing your dog’s teeth is something that should be done on a daily basis. If that is not possible for you, aim to brush at least five times a week. While it may seem like a daunting process, particularly for dogs who are restless and do not like the process as a whole, it doesn’t always have to be difficult. There are a number of products available – such as the Hartz Dentists Best Dental Kit – designed to make brushing their teeth a much easier process. If you are finding keeping up with their oral maintenance quite tricky, you could consider switching them to a dry food diet, purchasing dental chews or using dental toys to assist with their oral care. Chewing is known to wipe away food bits and keeps animal teeth and gums in good shape. The Greenies Company conducted a study to see the effects of dry food and dental chews in dogs. They found that “adding a dental chew to the diet resulted in statistically significant reductions in plaque and calculus accumulation, and oral malodor while improving gingival indices”.

Dental Chews

There are a number of dental chews available that are designed to assist with your dog’s oral health:

Dental Toys

And there are a number of dental toys available that also assist in the cleaning process:

Of course these are temporary alternatives, you should still be brushing your dog’s teeth on a day-to-day basis.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is usually silent with no signs or symptoms, and if you’re not brushing your dog’s teeth regularly you will miss any obvious signs deeper in their mouth. Some symptoms of severe gum disease include troubles picking up food, bleeding or red gums – you may notice blood in their water bowl or on their chew toys – loose teeth, making noises when eating or yawning, bumps or lumps in the mouth, bloody or stringy saliva, not wanting their head to be touched, chewing on only one side of their mouth, nasal discharge or sneezing – as gum disease can destroy the bone between the nasal and oral cavity – and bad breath. The issue with bad breath is that many pet owners believe it is a minor issue with a simple fix. The fact is that bad breath is normally caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth due to overgrown tartar. Treating bad breath with breath fresheners is not the correct solution. More often than not, there is an accompanied underlying oral issue which will need to be treated professionally.

Dental Food

Luckily, there are a number of dog dental food that will assist your dog if they suffer from dental disease, as well as help them prevent any further issues. These formulas are designed to be used on any dog, they don’t have to necessarily be diagnosed with a dental problem, but they can be used as prevention, and to maintain overall good oral health.

It is important to take your dog in to see a veterinarian frequently so they can perform regular oral exams or cleanings. A medical professional will be the only one who can provide you with a strong understanding of the state of your dog’s oral health. You will then be able to monitor their mouth regularly and construct a plan to cure their dental disease or prevent it from worsening. Always remember that if you can’t start your day or go to bed without brushing your teeth, your dog shouldn’t either!