It’s Pet Dental Health Month—and what better way to celebrate than to spread some knowledge on the often-avoided task of oral hygiene. Let’s look at the top dental issues that dogs face and how best to deal with them:
 
Yucky Breath
Foul breath in dogs stems from either poor oral health or issues inside the gastrointestinal tract—the odour will not disappear on its own and requires prompt action. There are more than 400 bacteria types in a dog's oral cavities. Ensure you stick to good oral practices or talk to your veterinarian about their diet and consider adding probiotics.
 
Red/Swollen Gums
Healthy gums generally have a light pink shade, but they can also have black pigmentation or spots. Swollen, red and painful gums are a sign of gingivitis—a condition caused by a buildup of bacteria and tartar on the teeth. When the rims get red and inflamed, the teeth require professional cleaning. Severe gingivitis puts your dog at risk for bone loss or painful periodontal pockets.
 
Tartar Buildup/Yellowing
Avoid these dental issues by brushing their teeth daily or, at the very least, weekly. If cleaning your dog's teeth with a brush is generally met with significant resistance, consider using a finger brush. Alternatively, wrap a cloth around your index finger, add a little dog-safe toothpaste on top and rub inside the cheek surfaces on both sides—this will remove 80% of the scum, and your dog's tongue will do the rest. Remember to reward your dog for their cooperation by giving them a well-deserved treat!
 
Broken Teeth
Like us humans, dogs also experience extreme discomfort when they have a broken tooth. Keep their teeth intact by selectively choosing their chews. Chews should be pliable—when the chew is too hard, the force between the upper and lower molars can cause broken teeth. There are even chews specifically designed to assist oral health. Some broken tooth indicators include suddenly chewing food on one side of the mouth, blood, dropping kibble or avoiding playtime. See your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has a broken tooth, as it will need to be surgically removed or fitted with a metal crown.
 
Overcrowded Teeth
Dogs, both big and small, have the same amount of adult teeth. Small breeds and breeds with pushed-in faces tend to have issues with teeth crowding together. If you think your dog might be experiencing this problem, discuss it with your veterinarian, as some teeth often need to be removed to maintain oral health.
 
Oral Mass/Tumour
An oral mass, or oral tumour, is an overgrowth of gum tissue. Tumours can be either benign or cancerous and can develop slowly or quickly. An oral mass or tumour can also indicate that your dog is dealing with health issues beyond the mouth, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
 
Stubborn Baby Teeth
As in humans, dogs have two sets of teeth in their lifetime. Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth (primary/baby teeth), and adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth (secondary teeth). At 6–7 months, most dogs have all their adult teeth. Occasionally, a stubborn deciduous tooth is still present when a permanent tooth erupts, forcing the permanent tooth into an abnormal position and causing an infection or abnormal bite. Surgical removal of stubborn baby teeth may be necessary.
 
Oral hygiene is as important for dogs as it is for people. The most important part of brushing your dog’s teeth is removing plaque from their gum line. If you are looking for good quality pet dental products, stop by the Animal Think Tank pet shop, we sell:

• PetDent Toothpaste
• PetDent Finger Brushes
• Tropiclean Fresh Breath Drops
• Petstages Chew Toothbrush Toys

 
Better care. Better teeth. Better Health. Happy Pet Dental Health Month!