Like humans, pets experience dental problems. Dental disease is common in dogs and frequently occurs in dogs that are two-to-three years old. The good news is that there are different things you can do to correct these issues and prevent them from reoccurring. Here is a list of the most common dental problems in dogs, and how to correct them:
Plaque and Tartar
Plaque and tartar are the most common dental problems dogs experience. When a dog’s teeth are not thoroughly cleaned, plaque and tartar accumulate, affecting the teeth and gums. Plaque appears as a brown film or tint on your dog’s teeth.
Periodontal Disease
When left untreated, dental problems can take a turn for the worst, leading to periodontal disease. This disease affects a dog’s tissues in the mouth. Gingivitis is a cause for concern, but the most serious problem lies beneath the gumline where pet owners are not able to see. The damage that occurs beneath the gumline requires special tools to clean.
Toothache
If you have ever experienced toothache, you’ll know that it’s painful. Whether it lasts for a short or long period, you want the pain to stop. Your dog feels the same way. Dental diseases can cause severe toothache. Severe pain in the mouth can cause your dog to stop eating. A dog that stops eating is a problem because they begin to lose weight, and other health risks become a concern.
Systemic Illness
Aside from causing pain, periodontal disease can cause other issues, including kidney and heart disease. Dogs can experience bad breath, loss of teeth and stomach problems, all caused by periodontal disease. If your dog has breath that reeks of a sewer of stagnant toilet water, it is a sure indication that something is wrong, and dental disease is at the top of the list.
Deciduous Teeth
Deciduous teeth are commonly referred to as baby teeth, and they are often found in small-breed dogs. Crowding becomes an issue when the baby teeth do not fall out as they should. When baby teeth remain in a dog’s mouth, permanent teeth are not able to erupt in the proper manner.
Stomatitis
Although it is more common in cats, dogs can also suffer from stomatitis. Stomatitis is defined as inflammation of the oral mucous membranes. Stomatitis is a painful disease that affects more than one portion of the mouth.
Mouth Tumors
Mouth tumors are also known as oral tumors and appear as small or large lumps. These lumps are found in the mouth near a dog’s teeth or the area of the inner jawbone. Some tumors are cancerous while others are not. Cancerous tumors need to be examined and removed immediately.
Salivary Mucocele
A salivary mucocele appears as a swollen mass under a dog’s neck or within the mouth cavity. Salivary mucoceles are sacs filled with saliva from a salivary gland that is leaking and damaged.
Tips for Maintaining a Dog’s Oral Health
A dog’s teeth need to be brushed on a daily basis. The teeth need to be thoroughly cleaned. You should inspect your dog’s mouth at least once a day and check for signs of oral diseases. A dog needs to visit the vet at least once per year to get a dental exam. Feeding your dog healthy, watery, and crunchy vegetables and fruits, including carrots, celery, apples and cucumbers, is the perfect way to keep a dog’s teeth healthy and strong.
One of the best ways to slow plaque formation is feeding your dog hard, dry food and dog biscuits. Dry, hard dog food and dog biscuits help remove plaque that forms on your dog’s teeth from eating, especially moist food. Dogs require fresh water on a daily basis. Fresh water not only helps a dog’s teeth but their overall health. Make sure you clean your dog’s food and water dish every day.
Stagnant food and water leaves a film in the bowl and can cause many different diseases. In any event, you wouldn’t eat a meal on dirty dishes, so don’t make your pet eat or drink from a dirty bowl. Following a few of these tips can help put your pet on the right track to great oral health.
About the Guest Author: Mary Nielsen is a passionate dog lover, blogger, and part-time music teacher. She started MySweetPuppy.net to share her ups and downs of being a pet parent to a bunch of adorable mutts. When she is not playing with them or teaching, you can find her experimenting in the kitchen.