I have read a lot about periodontal disease. I understand it is an advanced stage of gum disease: accumulated plaque on your teeth and gums attacks the gum and the bone.

But plaque can be removed by professional cleaning, and good oral hygiene helps to prevent accumulation of plaque.

So, why is periodontal disease chronic then? Why can it be treated but not cured?

Thanks.

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It’s often been said that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. That’s never been proven, but the fact remains that dogs put their mouths places humans would never dare to (or be able to, for that matter). Dogs don’t think twice about sifting through garbage, digging in the yard and licking themselves wherever they can reach. They also use their mouths to carry toys as well as dirty “treasures” from the yard. With their mouths working overtime, good dental care for dogs should be a priority for any dog owner.

A dog’s teeth can be a good indication of overall health. But as important as good dental hygiene is for dogs, many dog owners overlook it. Just like in humans, it’s important to practice routine oral maintenance on your dog. Not only can it help its teeth stay healthy now, but it can also protect against more serious issues later.

If bacteria are allowed to grow in a dog’s mouth, plaque can accumulate on the teeth. If it’s not addressed, it can escalate to more serious concerns. Since a dog’s mouth is used to play and eat, among other things, it’s important to keep it in top shape. The best way to do this is through maintenance and prevention.

Believe it or not, most dogs three years of age and older have some form of gum disease. If a dog’s teeth are neglected, plaque can form, setting the stage for advanced oral diseases. Plaque can bind with minerals in a dog’s saliva and create tartar, which attaches to the teeth and can cause irritation to the gums, or gingivitis. Left untreated, tartar can get under the gum line and dissolve the bones that hold the teeth in place, causing the teeth to become loose and possibly fall out. Periodontal disease, as it’s called, is treatable, but once your dog’s teeth fall out, there’s little to be done. The best line of defense is regular brushing and check-ups.

Home care is important, but it’s also critical to have your dog’s teeth examined regularly by a professional. A simple visual exam can be done in an office visit, but more comprehensive care, such as x-rays and tartar removal, has to be done while the dog is under sedation. It’s safer for both the dog and the medical staff, and it gives the vet an opportunity to do a more thorough exam. Some vets even specialize in dental care for dogs, so it’s worthwhile to investigate your options.

It may take time before your dog is comfortable having its teeth cleaned. If you use a toothbrush, be sure to get your pet familiar with it, so he’s more likely to allow you to use it. A toothbrush allows you to reach teeth more effectively, but a finger brush may be easier to maneuver. Just be sure it fits well, so it won’t fall off in your dog’s mouth. Find a toothpaste formulated for dogs. Human toothpaste is made to be spit out, while a dog will swallow it, so don’t use human products, just to be on the safe side. Many dog toothpastes have added flavors that are attractive to dogs, such as beef, chicken or vanilla.

While brushing your dog’s teeth, take this opportunity to examine its mouth for any signs of disease. Bad breath (that which is out of the ordinary for your dog), yellowing or crust at the gum line, swelling, or pain when you touch your dog’s gums should be noted. These could be signs of infection and should be addressed immediately. Not doing so could result in tooth loss for your dog.

Another important consideration for healthy teeth is your dog’s toys. Excessive chewing on hard surfaces can lead to a dog’s teeth being damaged. If this occurs, bacteria can get into the tooth and cause infection. Bones can splinter and lodge between teeth, rocks can break teeth and toys can cause bleeding gums if a dog chews too aggressively. Be sure to monitor your dog during play time, and only give it toys that are appropriate for your pet’s size and activity level.

Your dog’s food and treats can be a good tool for treating plaque. Dry food can help attack plaque, while there are dog treats on the market that are especially formulated to address the issue of plaque and oral care.

Dental care for dogs consists of relatively simple maintenance. Following these tips can keep your dog healthy for a lifetime.

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Dogs are truly a man’s best friend. We treasure their loyalty and affection. It is just as important that we care for our pet’s health as it is our own. With the advent of the vaccinations and treatments available today, most dogs live long and happy lives. One area of dog care that is forgotten is oral care. It is just as important for your dog to have their teeth brushed as it is for us. One of the major ailments facing dogs today is oral disease. It is easy to prevent with good dental care.

Dental Disease in Dogs

Plaque is the number one oral problem with our canine friends. Excess tartar from left over food particles and bacteria form the plaque. If the plaque is not removed it will start to turn to a form of tartar that leads to gingivitis. This is when your dogs gums are bright red near the teeth. This is the main cause of bad breath in dogs.

Gingivitis left untreated will lead to periodontal disease which is irreversible and may result in teeth becoming abscessed. But that is not all. The bacteria found in both gingivitis and periodontal disease can enter your dogs blood stream and cause infections in the heart, liver and kidneys.

Prevention is the best way to deal with oral care. By brushing your dogs teeth regularly, the tartar will not have the chance to build up and cause gingivitis. This routine home care should be part of your dog’s health care regiment. Most veterinarians will include an oral exam when your dog goes in for their annual physical. A thorough dental exam can spot any potential problems before they become problems.

If you have not been doing the preventative dental home brushing, it may be necessary for your veterinarian to perform a dental cleaning. You can check during the year for any potential problems with your dog by doing routine exams at home. Look for the warning signs such as bad breath or red and swollen gums. If you see bleeding or bumps around any of your dog’s teeth, these are reasons to call your veterinarian.

After doing an examine, brush your dogs teeth. This should not be an ordeal for you or your dog. Take your time and give your dog lots of positive affirmation as they sit still and they will begin to look forward to the daily occurrence. Here are some basic do’s and don’ts for at home care.

1. Be sure to use toothpaste that is specifically designed for animal oral health care. Our toothpaste will make your dog ill in the stomach. There are a variety of toothpastes made for animal oral care, selecting the one that is right for you may be a trial and era until your dog begins to look forward to the event. Again, do not use human toothpaste nor fluoride on your dog’s teeth.

2. Toothbrush or sponge? There are toothbrushes specifically for your dog. Your preference may actually come from the size of your dog. Sponges are softer but do not provide the scrubbing power of the brush. In reality, what ever your dog allows will work if you take the time to slowly ensure all food particles are removed from your dogs gumline.

3. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps. This only increases the buildup of plaque and tartar and can ultimately lead to other health issues.

4. There are some toys that assist in the dental care such as rope toys or Plaque Attacker dental toys are good choices. Be sure to always watch your dog when they are chewing on a toy. Some toys that are too hard can actually do more damage than good.

Dog dental health starts at home with you. With constant preventative maintenance in oral care, your dog can live without ever falling prey to periodontal disease.

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