Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
Just like humans, dogs can grind their teeth. Unlike humans, the solution for teeth grinding doesn’t usually come in the form of a bulky nightguard. Instead, you’ll have to dig a little deeper to find the root cause of your pup’s teeth grinding and address the underlying issue more specifically.
At Yummy Combs, we understand the importance of canine oral care. Considering that 80% of dogs over age three have periodontal disease, it’s an important aspect of dog care. We’ll discuss the possible causes of teeth grinding in dogs, how to look for symptoms they may be grinding their teeth, and tell you everything you need to know about preventing it.
Teeth grinding, called bruxism, happens when a dog grinds its teeth while it is awake or asleep. In dogs, grinding teeth while awake is more common than grinding teeth during sleep. Some of the possible causes of teeth grinding in dogs are similar to those that cause bruxism in humans.
One of the most common reasons a dog will grind its teeth is because it is in pain. If a dog experiences pain in the abdomen, esophagus, or intestines, it may grind its teeth as a form of self-soothing. Pain may also be localized in your dog’s mouth. Pain from fractured teeth, gum disease, or cavities can also cause a dog to grind its teeth.
The most common reason humans grind their teeth is stress and nervousness. This is why many adults end up with those less-than-glamorous nightguards. For dogs, stress is not a common reason for teeth grinding, although it is a possible reason.
If you recently noticed your dog grinding its teeth, consider whether there have been any recent changes to your dog’s daily routine. A new home, a new family member (like a baby or an elderly parent), or another pet can all present a significant change to your dog’s daily life and routine.
Some dogs may have a misalignment that causes them to grind their teeth. Some breeds, like boxers and shi-tzus, are more susceptible to jaw alignment problems. If your dog has a misaligned bite, the grinding may be part of the natural movement of their mouths.
Very rarely, grinding teeth can be caused by lesions on the forebrain. This is an extremely rare occurrence and will likely be accompanied by other side effects. One possible cause for these lesions is encephalitis, which places additional pressure on the brain.
Gum disease is very common in dogs and can cause them an extreme amount of pain. Advanced states of gum disease can also lead to loose teeth that can become uncomfortable and cause teeth grinding. Gum disease is particularly concerning in dogs because it can lead to systemic illness and even organ failure.
If you suspect your dog is grinding its teeth, you can look for signs and symptoms.
It may be easy to spot a dog grinding its teeth if it is grinding during the day. If you aren’t sure, pay close attention to your dog and look for signs of bruxism like:
If you notice these signs, take your dog to the veterinarian to find out why it is grinding its teeth.
Tooth grinding that is not addressed can lead to serious dental issues that can make your dog uncomfortable and cost a lot to repair. Tooth grinding can lead to:
Just like you, your dog only gets one set of adult teeth. If some are broken or missing, they will likely live the rest of their life without those teeth. Getting dental implants for dogs is not a common practice!
If your dog is grinding its teeth, the first thing to do is schedule a visit to their veterinarian. Their veterinarian can look for underlying illness, ensure there isn’t something problematic with the digestive tract, and inspect your dog’s mouth for issues. When the source of the problem is discovered, your dog’s veterinarian will be able to help address the cause with medication, treatment, or therapy.
At home, you can take steps to ensure your dog’s oral care is a top priority. Taking care of your dog’s teeth will take a little extra effort, but it can help prevent bruxism, dental decay, periodontal disease, and a lot of unnecessary discomfort for your favorite furry friend.
Those paws lack opposable thumbs and cannot hold a toothbrush. It’s up to you, as their favorite human, to brush your dog’s teeth for them.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste, aim to brush your dog’s teeth at least once daily. You can gradually build up to brushing the teeth in the back of their mouth as they become more comfortable with the process. Remember to offer praise and a small treat when tooth brushing is over to encourage the habit.
Putting off your dog’s yearly dental cleaning is never a good idea. In that time, your dog could develop cavities or other issues that, left untreated, will be harder to fix. Most dogs only need a professional cleaning once per year. Some breeds that are more susceptible to gum disease and oral health issues will need their teeth cleaned once every six months.
Dental treats offer a delicious and effective way to support your dog’s oral care. An effective dental treat combines nutritious ingredients with elements that help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy.
Treats that are too hard can be dangerous for your dog’s mouth and even lead to tooth fractures. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the treat or chew is soft enough to indent the surface of it with your fingernail. If not, it is too hard for your dog’s teeth.
Additionally, treats should not encourage your dog to gulp. Swallowing large pieces of chews and treats can lead to choking and cause gastrointestinal distress. The solution?
Yummy Combs combine the safety, effectiveness, and nutrition aspects you want with the great taste that dogs love. Our treats are research-backed and proven to eliminate up to 25% of hardened tartar on your dog’s teeth — something other treats and chews can’t claim. Our treats are available in varying sizes depending on the size of your dog.
The honeycomb design of Yummy Combs treats is wide to deter your dog from gulping. The thin walls of Yummhy Combs easily dissolve, and our proprietary Slick’M™ ingredient ensures that each treat dissolves rapidly when swallowed to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues.
Yummy Combs have deep pockets and thin walls that provide a 360-degree flossing and scrubbing mechanism on your dog’s teeth. When your dog chews a Yummy Combs treat, they’re getting a full clean on every surface of their teeth to help eliminate the buildup of plaque that can lead to tartar.
Anytime you give your dog treats, you’ll need to reduce their kibble to account for the caloric content of the treat. If your treats don’t contain essential nutrients, your dog could end up with holes in its diet. Yummy Combs is 44% chicken protein and contains 45 nutritious, wellness-based ingredients to keep your dog’s belly full and their nutrient needs met. Your dog will love the flavor, and you’ll love knowing they’re getting a nutritious snack.
Yummy Combs are ideal for everyday use, and can help keep your dog’s oral care in tip top shape between professional cleanings. Keeping your dog’s mouth healthy can reduce the risk that infection enters their mouth and spreads to their body, which can help your dog lead a happier, healthier life.
If your dog is grinding its teeth, there’s an underlying cause that needs addressing. As soon as you notice grinding, schedule an appointment with their veterinarian to figure out the root cause. Then, make sure to pay attention to their teeth at home.
Brushing, regular cleanings, and Yummy Combs make up the allstar lineup of dog dental care MVPs.
Sources:
Reasons Why Dogs Grind Their Teeth | The Spruce Pets
Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs | ScienceDirect
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Always feed the right treat size for your dog’s weight category. Always supervise your dog when feeding treats. This product is an adult only dog treat. Always provide ample fresh water for your dog.
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