• Halitosis, or bad breath, is the most common
sign of oral disease. Classic ‘doggy breath’ is
not necessarily normal.
• Build up of tartar on the tooth surface.
• A change in the normal gum lines.
• Dogs may preferentially choose softer
foods; play with chew toys less and decline
crunchy treats.
• You may notice your pet chewing more on
side of his mouth.
• He may chew less in general and this
sometimes causes the dog to vomit, seen as
undigested, poorly chewed food.
• Increased salivation, pawing at or rubbing
the face can be indications of oral pain.
• Irritable or depressed mood
The most common dental problems seen in
dogs are periodontal diseases and fractured
teeth. Periodontal disease is a term used to
describe inflammation or infection of the
tissues surrounding the tooth. Periodontal
diseases occur when the accumulation of
plaque and tartar cause either periodontal
pockets or gum recession around the tooth’s
attachment. Left untreated, the infection
often spreads deeper into the tooth socket,
destroying the bone.
The breeds at greatest risk for developing
periodontal disease include:
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Toy Poodles
Yorkshire Terriers
Maltese
Papillions
Standard Poodles
Pomeranians
Shetland Sheepdogs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Dachshunds
Havanese
If your dog showcases any of the following
symptoms, consult your vet straight away:
Loose Teeth: For an adult dog, a loose tooth is
more suspect. It usually results from trauma to
the mouth or from gum loss due to advanced
periodontal disease. It may also be a sign of
illness.
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Misaligned Teeth: Sometimes an adult
dog’s teeth are crooked, or he may have a
malocclusion -- a misalignment of the upper
and lower jaw. Some breeds are known for
their trademark bite, but if it is extreme, your
dog may have difficulty chewing.
Periodontitis: Swollen, bleeding gums are a
symptom of periodontal disease, the most
commonly diagnosed oral problem in dogs.
Tooth Trauma: Keep an eye on what your
dog chomps on. A hearty chew is great for
his oral hygiene, but chewing the wrong
object can leave him in dental distress. Rigid,
solid objects can break or crack a tooth. A
broken or cracked tooth can also result from
an impact injury, tugging games or too-rough
play.
Tooth Root Abscess: One of the more
agonising oral problems your dog may
experience is a tooth root abscess. This occurs
if the root of the tooth became exposed to
bacteria -- perhaps from a crack or break,
or from advanced gum damage due to
periodontal disease -- and an infection has
set in. A common type of broken tooth seen
in dogs is called a slab fracture. This occurs
if he forcibly bit down on a hard object,
causing a section of tooth to flake off,
ranging in size from a chip to a larger section.
We asked Dr Dominik Saurek
for his expert opinion on oral
hygiene for pet cats and
dogs.
How frequently should oral
checkups and cleaning be
done for cats and dogs?
Oral check ups in pets should be done
at least once yearly. Most of the vets will
routinely check when the animal is being
vaccinated. In my opinion some small breeds
of dogs like Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas etc
should be checked twice per year because
of increased risk of periodontal disease.
Is it possible to maintain dental hygiene at
home or is it a must to get it done at the
clinic?
Yes it is. Prophylaxis is always better then
treatment. Most of the periodontal disease
is starting in dogs around 3 years of age.
By performing regular oral checks and
maintaining oral hygiene, we can reduce,