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Further information & reading
Can we prevent plaque forming?
The diet we give our pets may determine to a large extent the health of teeth & gums; animals fed largely on soft foods tend to build-up more plaque and tartar than those given hard crunchy foods and/or bones. Nevertheless, some breeds or individuals may produce the type of saliva that makes them more prone than others to the build-up of plaque.
The most natural way for dogs to maintain a healthy mouth is by chewing on raw bones, ideally under supervision. The chewing action helps clean teeth whilst at the same time massaging the gums. Raw bones are safer than cooked bones as the latter are more likely to splinter.
Widely available on the market now are brushes and toothpastes specifically formulated for dogs. These toothpastes may contain enzymes designed to inhibit the plaque-forming bacteria, they are intended to be safe for the dog to swallow, have an appetising taste and need no rinsing.
More about periodontal disease
'Dog breath' as an expression is often down to the fact that many dogs do suffer from bad breath. Sometimes, this is down to a serious oral problem, so the sooner you have your dog checked out by a vet, the sooner any breath problems will go away.
Periodontal disease starts out as a mild infection of the tissue that surrounds the teeth. It takes hold of the mouth in progressive stages, starting out with a bacterial film known as plaque. When these bacteria die, they are calcified and become a hard, rough surface known as tartar. This in turn allows more plaque to accumulate, and it can lead to gingivitis (inflamed gums), reddened gums that bleed more easily. Infection can then spread to the root of the tooth. The latter stages can cause discomfort for your dog.
Periodontal disease can cause serious problems as it develops further. These include tissue destruction, erosion of tooth socket, and loose teeth. Dogs rely heavily on their teeth and so this can be particularly damaging and distressful.
Signs and importance of tooth and gum disease
Bad breath, pawing at the mouth, difficulty eating and chewing food, are but a few of the symptoms of poor oral health. Ignored, they can lead to gum inflammation and periodontal disease, which is caused by infection from plaque and tartar build-up on pets' teeth. If addressed promptly, the early stages of gingivitis can be treated and the condition reversed. However, if allowed to progress, irreversible periodontitis can occur along with chronic bacterial infection, which can enter the bloodstream and may damage the kidneys, liver, and heart.
Other indications to look out for are yellow or brown stains on teeth particularly around the gum line, swollen or bleeding gums and lack of appetite due to sore or loose teeth. The problem may even cause a change in the dog’s whole demeanour if the pain is acute