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Fact and Fiction About Dog Teeth

Cute black mutt dog outdoor portrait

Your furry friend’s chompers are essential to their happiness and wellbeing. After all, they use them to chow down on dinner, play fetch, enjoy treats, and hang on for tug-of-war. Here are some facts and fictions behind your pup’s whiskery grin and how you can help take care of it. 

Why dog dental health matters 

Our dogs rely on us for their nutrition, health, and well-being, including their dental health. Research shows that periodontal disease is the most diagnosed form of disease in dogs and cats, with more than 80% of them affected by it. Periodontal disease is a result of plaque — that slimy buildup on teeth — hardening into tartar above and below the gum line. This causes gum infection and tooth decay, along with pain, jaw fractures, and eventual tooth loss.    

Poor dental health isn’t just bad for teeth. It can cause illness throughout the body. Plaque bacteria in the mouth enter the bloodstream and infect a dog’s vital organs. This kind of bacteria is linked to heart disease and to inflammation of the liver and kidneys.  

Dental disease is also painful. If you’ve ever experienced a toothache, you’ll understand how bad it might feel for your dog. But because animals are so good at hiding pain, you may only notice that your companion seems irritable or eats less than usual. 

Four myths about dog dental health   

MYTH: Only old dogs get dental disease. 

By the age of three, most dogs have some degree of dental disease. The early signs include bad breath, yellow tartar on the teeth, and red and swollen gums. 

MYTH: Doggy breath is normal.  

It’s not. Sometimes it’s a sign of tooth decay or an abscess. If there’s been a recent change in your dog’s breath, check with your vet to see what’s causing it. 

MYTH: Dogs should chew bones to keep teeth strong. 

One study of wild dogs found that up to 63% had fractured teeth. So, while you may treat your companion to a bone or animal-based chew, be aware it increases the odds of a broken tooth. A dog chew is safe if you can bend it, flex it, dissolve it in water, or make a dent in it with your fingernail.  

MYTH: Dogs stop eating when their mouths hurt.  

Your pup will put up with a lot of pain before they stop eating. They’ll simply adapt by moving food to the side that doesn’t hurt, or swallowing food whole.  

How to care for your dog’s teeth  

A combination of home care and vet visits is the best way to keep your buddy’s teeth sparkling clean. Brushing them every day isn’t hard and can prevent plaque and potentially expensive extractions or surgeries in the future. Just don’t use human toothpastes, they contain ingredients such as xylitol that are harmful to animals. Instead, try special pet toothpastes in a flavor that appeals to your pup. Or speak to your vet about dental diets designed to prevent plaque.   

Include a regular dental exam as part of your dog’s yearly vet visit. If you’re not able to brush your dog’s teeth as often as you like, your vet may suggest an oral rinse or medicated chews. Your dog may also need a thorough dental cleaning under anesthesia. This allows precise X-Rays and evaluation, and removal of infection-causing tartar under the gumline. Anesthesia is much safer than you think, but it’s important to discuss the pros and cons with your vet. 

Being vigilant about dental care is a small yet significant way to ensure your companion is ever-ready for every adventure. Keep that toothy grin toothy, and that breath smelling puppy-sweet, and your friend will enjoy a longer, happier life with the human they love most — you. 

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