Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
Dogs’ teeth and gums need proper care to avoid decay, tooth loss, and gum disease.
Without proper care, your dog’s poor oral health may even lead to serious systemic health issues and organ failure.
Using a dental cleaning treat like Yummy Combs can help keep your dog’s teeth free from plaque and even eliminate up to 25% of tartar buildup.
Everyone knows that dogs aren’t known for minty, fresh breath, but what most people don’t know is that their dog’s breath shouldn’t have an off-putting odor. In fact, dog breath should be neutral. If your dog’s breath has you concerned, it could be indicative of a dental issue that needs attention.
Dental decay in dogs is very common. Over 80 percent of dogs older than three have some form of periodontal disease, but only 20 percent of their owners are aware of the issue. That means 60 percent of those dogs aren’t getting the dental care they need to reverse their dental issues and protect their health.
Even though we spend a lot of time with our dogs, we probably don’t spend much time inspecting or caring for their teeth. We’ll explain the need to take better care of your pet’s teeth and cover the four stages of tooth decay in dogs.
We’ll also tell you how to improve your dog’s dental health so they can avoid painful decay and illness.
For dogs just like for humans, dental decay is a big deal. Bacteria enters our body through our mouths, and if there is decay present, there’s an opportunity for it to enter the bloodstream. When bacteria enter the bloodstream, illness can become systemic, affecting other parts of the body like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Another issue with dental decay is pain associated with cavities and abscesses. Just like human teeth, dog teeth are connected to nerves that can feel pain.
When teeth develop cavities, your dog may be in pain but be unable to tell you. As the cavity progresses and the tooth decays further, the tooth may become loose and even fall out.
We all want to take great care of our dogs, and one way to level up your care is by inspecting your dog’s teeth regularly. In addition to the yearly visit to their vet, proper oral care is a necessity for keeping your dog healthy.
We’ll explain what you should look for to make sure your dog’s teeth aren’t in danger.
Those early days of sweet-smelling puppy breath are long gone, and your dog’s permanent teeth should all be in by seven months of age. Once the adult teeth are in, taking care of them should become a daily priority to prevent decay. Once decay starts, your dog will need professional care to prevent it from getting worse.
Here’s how dental decay progresses in your dog.
Once your dog’s permanent teeth come in, plaque will begin to form on their surfaces. Plaque is a thin, filmy residue that builds on teeth due to the foods we eat and from our own saliva. Humans brush and floss plaque away from the surfaces of our teeth, but your dog doesn’t have that ability.
Once plaque begins to build on the teeth, it will eventually harden to form tartar. Tartar forms along the gumline and is impossible to remove by simply brushing teeth. Symptoms of tartar buildup include slightly discolored teeth (especially by the gumline) and mild bad breath.
Gingivitis, also called gum disease or periodontal disease, occurs when tartar buildup begins to encroach on the gum line and spread bacteria to the gums themselves. Bacteria that enter the gums can cause them to become red, inflamed, and sensitive.
Dogs with early-stage gum disease may have gums that bleed when they eat or chew on a toy and have progressively worsening breath. It’s really important for dogs with gingivitis to get help to reverse the problem as soon as possible. If tooth decay isn’t arrested at this stage, it can progress to tooth loss and systemic illness, which may even become life-threatening.
Left untreated, tooth decay will eventually lead to loose teeth and tooth loss. Gums that surround a decaying tooth may become weak, causing the tooth to become loose.
When the tooth is loose in the gums, there is more opportunity for bacteria to enter. Abscesses may form on the gum line near the tooth, and the tooth will become extremely painful. Eventually, the tooth may break or completely fall out from the gums.
It’s important to note that this entire process is extremely painful for your dog. Dogs who have this advanced level of tooth decay may begin to refuse to eat or eat less. They may drool excessively or begin to paw at their mouths. They may also lose interest in playtime or begin to neglect their favorite chew toys.
If a dog’s oral care is never addressed, the bacteria that enter the gums and bloodstream through the mouth can eventually lead to illness in their bodies. Research shows there is a direct link between poor oral hygiene and compromised liver, kidney, and heart health in dogs.
Organ failure is also linked to poor oral hygiene, but most pet owners simply aren’t aware of the significant consequences of forgoing dental care for their dogs. If you’ve neglected your dog’s teeth to this point, it’s time to get busy fixing them.
The great news is that it doesn’t take much extra effort to care for your dog’s teeth, and it can be a wonderful bonding experience between the two of you. If your dog’s teeth are in bad repair already, the best place to start is by visiting their veterinarian.
First, you aren’t alone if your dog already has symptoms of tooth decay. Remember that 80 percent of dogs age three or older have some level of tooth decay, but it’s rare for their owners to know it. Even a routine yearly check-up may miss signs of tooth decay in your dog.
If you know your dog’s mouth isn’t in good shape, start by visiting their veterinarian for a comprehensive dental screening and cleaning. A professional cleaning can clean your pet’s teeth, remove tartar buildup, and perform X-rays to check the condition of the jaw and the supporting structures of the teeth.
If your dog’s veterinarian recommends more frequent cleanings, do your best to follow that advice. Many small breeds, for instance, are more prone to gum disease and should have their teeth professionally cleaned at least twice per year.
You can start a daily dental care plan with your dog by simply brushing their teeth. It may seem difficult to accomplish at first, but with a little patience and practice, you can convince your dog that tooth brushing is a fun time that is rewarded (with a dental treat).
To brush your dog’s teeth, you’ll need a toothbrush (soft bristle, children’s, or specialized dog toothbrush) and a dog-safe toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste on your dog because they aren’t able to spit it out.
Begin by getting your dog comfortable having their teeth touched. Lift their upper and lower lips and touch their teeth with your fingers or with the tip of the toothbrush.
Allow them to have a few licks of the toothpaste. Once they are more comfortable, begin by brushing the front upper and lower teeth and then work your way to the back. Give them ample breaks and praise, and always finish by giving them a dental chew as a reward.
Dental chews are a great way to support your dog’s oral health, but not all dental chews are created equally. Some provide excess, empty calories that can interfere with weight management, and many chews have been deemed unsafe due to their shape and size.
The solution? Yummy Combs.
Yummy Combs were created to support not just your dog’s oral care but also their entire body. They check all the boxes smart pet owners want to keep their pets safe, happy, and healthy.
In addition to getting regular checkups and brushing your dog’s teeth at home, offering them a daily Yummy Combs treat is a smart way to protect their teeth and promote a healthy mouth. Just be sure to reduce their kibble by 10 percent when using Yummy Combs daily.
Your dog’s mouth has direct access to the health of their entire body. Keeping their mouths clean and their teeth healthy can reduce their risk of developing other illnesses and ensure they have happy, healthy years ahead of them.
Adding Yummy Combs to their diet is a solution for keeping their oral health a priority in a way that is safe, effective, and great-tasting.
Sources:
Dog Tooth Decay Stages | UVH Vets.com
Periodontal disease | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs | ScienceDirect
Dental Disease and its Relation to Systemic Disease in Pets | VCA | VCA Animal Hospitals
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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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