Common Dog Dental Problems: Dental Disease in Dogs

While oral hygiene is a crucial part of any dog's overall health, did you know that most don't receive proper dental care? In today's post, our Citrus Heights vets talk about the most common dog dental problems and how you can spot dental disease in dogs.

Are dog dental appointments necessary?

Keeping your dog's teeth clean and free of dental conditions is important for the overall health of your dog. In fact, our Citrus Heights vets commonly see dogs over the age of three that are suffering from some form of dental disease. This early start to dental disease can have serious negative consequences for their long-term health. 

Similar to humans, studies have shown that there are links between gum disease and other more serious health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. This is due to bacteria entering the bloodstream from the mouth, damaging heart function, and causing issues with other organs. Poor oral health can also lead to pain, eroded gums, and loose or missing teeth. 

In order to help avoid any possible issue or dental disease in dogs, you should provide routine at-home dental care as well as bring your pup in for annual professional dental exam.  

Neglecting professional dental cleanings could put your dog at risk of developing gingivitis, periodontal disease, bad breath, and in severe cases pain, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

What are the signs of dog dental diseases or conditions?

While dental disease in dogs can be difficult to spot in the early stages you should still be aware of the signs to look for. If you notice any of the following it is time to arrange an appointment with your vet:

What are the stages of a dog dental cleaning appointment?

In order to help prevent your dog from developing tooth decay and periodontal disease, our Citrus Heights vets recommend taking your dog for a dental appointment at least once each year. They may require more frequent appointments if they are suffering from more severe or recurring dental problems.

At your pet's dental appointment, your pet will be safely sedated and your vet will perform a full tooth-by-tooth examination and thorough cleaning of your dog's teeth, both above and below the gum line. They will take X-rays to look for any further dental issues and then finish off the appointment by applying a fluoride treatment and dental sealant to strengthen the teeth and prevent plaque buildup. 

If your dog is suffering from advanced periodontal disease, your vet will recommend an ongoing oral treatment plan in order to help make your dog's mouth healthy again.

Will my dog need to recover after a dog dental cleaning?

All dogs are different but you can expect your pup to begin recovering from the anesthetic within a few hours, although in some cases it can take 24-48 hours to fully recover. During this time, your dog may seem drowsy and have a reduced appetite. 

Is there anything that can go wrong with a dog dental cleaning?

Any procedure performed under anesthesia comes with risks. Before the dental exam, your vet will assess your pet to ensure that they are healthy enough to handle anesthesia. Your vet may conduct additional diagnostics to ensure that a dental exam while anesthetized is safe for your pet.

Do my dog's teeth need to be brushed?

You are important to the ongoing oral health of your dog and the dental you provide at home is a large part of that. Here are a few easy ways that you can help to keep your dog's mouth clean at home:

• Use a finger brush from your vet, or a child’s toothbrush to brush your pet’s teeth daily to remove any plaque or debris. It's best if you start this process when your dog is a puppy to get them used to the process. There are also dog toothpaste options that come in flavors like beef or chicken that can help make the process more enjoyable for your dog. 
• Use a plaque prevention product (your vet can recommend some), which you can apply to your pet’s teeth and gums. These products act as a barrier to prevent plaque buildup.
• Offer your pup treats such as dental chews or food designed to help prevent plaque buildup and tartar.
• Look for toys that promote dental health. 

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.