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Preventive Dental Care for DogsBad breath may be a sign of a number of health problems in dogs, but it is usually the result of dental disease. Periodontal disease, broken teeth, cavities and abscesses are some of the troubles caused by heredity, diet, aging, environmental factors, and poor hygiene. Ideally, proper oral care including brushing your pet's teeth, proper diet, and dental check-ups should begin when dogs are still puppies.Our dogs get tartar and plaque build-up on their teeth just like humans do. Tartar is made up of minerals, protein and bacteria. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums and the gums begin to recede. The roots become exposed and our dogs can lose their teeth. Abscesses and infection of the bone and jaw is a common problem due to the bacteria in the mouth. More importantly, bacteria enter the blood stream and can spread to the rest of the body. Bacteria commonly isolate on the heart valves in dogs, causing heart disease. Have your dog's teeth and mouth checked regularly. Your veterinarian will usually examine your dog's teeth during its annual checkup and determine if the teeth need cleaning, x-rays or other treatment. Just as for humans, some dogs can go for years without needing a vet to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth while other dogs require professional cleaning every year, or even more frequently. In between check-ups, if possible, try to brush your dog's teeth regularly. Dental gels are also available to help prevent tartar build-up. If a dental cleaning is required, fortunately, modern anesthesia for your dog is much safer than that which was available years ago. Your vet can advise you about pre-anesthetic laboratory testing and the benefits and risks of preventative work or treatments. Keeping your dog's mouth healthy can prevent heart, sinus, kidney and liver problems which often start from a bacterial infection in the mouth. Oral tumors which may be difficult to detect when your dog is awake may be found and removed during cleaning. This is critical - as many as half of all mouth tumors in dogs are cancerous. Don't assume your pet is healthy because everything seems all right, as there may be an undetectable abscessed tooth or oral cancer. See your vet immediately if your pet has bad breath, unusual salivation or facial swelling, pain or difficulty eating. A healthy mouth means a happier pet - and fresher breath! Schedule that dental appointment today! Back to the Dachshund Resource Library |