puppy&dog HEALTH

Clean teeth, healthy dog

"Look what I found on the carpet, Dr. Schell!" exclaimed an excited client. She held up a blackened infected molar tooth from her dog. "Oh no," I said. "Does your dog have bad breath, is she often chewing on one side, and sometimes drooling?" The owner nodded.

The signs of dental disease
As soon as I looked in Brandy's mouth I noted that she had the characteristic signs of dental disease. These include: painful, red, inflamed gums that often bleed when touched, yellow and brown tartar on the surface of the teeth, bad breath, and sometimes loose or missing teeth.Dental disease hurts.

When dogs with severe dental disease try to eat, it is often so painful that they cannot chew their food, and instead swallow it whole. This can lead to poor digestion and an upset stomach.Some stoic dogs, however, do not show any signs of dental disease to their owners, even if they have severe problems. Since dogs do not speak or smile like humans do, the insides of their mouths often go unnoticed.

Many dogs suffer in silence unless they are examined regularly by their veterinarian.

The danger to your dog's health
Bacterial infections in the mouth can migrate in the bloodstream to other areas in the body, including vital organs such as the kidneys and heart, resulting in serious complications.

The health of the mouth is so important that some veterinary surgeons won't perform surgeries such as cataract removals or heart surgeryunless the teeth are cleaned first.

Also, diseases like diabetes mellitus or Cushing's disease are more difficult to control if severe dental infections are present.

Puppy Teeth
Just like humans, puppies are born without any teeth. A dog's 28 baby teeth start to erupt during the first few weeks of life. Then, between four and six months, the baby teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. Most dogs have 42 teeth! Humans only have 32 adult teeth.

Teething is often a painful experience for puppies, causing them to chew on anything they can get. Your veterinarian can dispense gum soothing pet gels and chewable treats that can be frozen to sooth aching gums.

Early dental work prevents future problems
Young puppies as well as adult dogs can have dental problems. Certain breeds can be affected with malocclusions, which are inherited abnormal biting patterns. Sometimes lower teeth can impinge on the roof of the mouth or other teeth can impale gum tissue. Some puppies' adult teeth don't erupt normally. Sometimes baby teeth are still present in the spot the adult tooth needs to grow into. This forces the adult tooth to be misplaced, often causing mouth pain and damage to the gums and preventing the puppy from chewing comfortably.

Retained baby teeth need to be surgically removed by a veterinarian. Proper dental work at a young age will prevent future problems.

Dogs can have braces too!
Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's teeth as he (or she) grows to check for dental problems.X-rays can be taken to ensure the adult teeth are growing in well. Veterinary orthodontists can improve a dog's bite pattern with special braces! Also, in certain situations, root canals, bridges and crowns may be required for pets.

Prevention is key to a healthy set of choppers for your dog. Both puppies and adult dogs can be trained to accept tooth brushing.

How to brush your dog's teeth
Start by rubbing and handling the outside of your dog's muzzle with your fingers. Then, insert your fingers into the dog's mouth and rub along the outside of the teeth.

After a few days, when your dog is used to this, introduce some veterinary approved toothpaste. Many pet toothpastes come in flavours dogs love such as poultry, beef, tuna and even vanilla mint.

Let the dog lick the toothpaste off your fingers, then gently insert your fingers with the paste into his mouth.

After a few days of practice, apply the toothpaste to a special finger brush or a regular toothbrush for pets.

Brush using a circular motion. The whole brushing procedure should only take about 30 seconds.

Usually only the outside of a dog's teeth can be brushed. Not many dogs will open wide enough for you to brush the inside of the tooth's surface.

Be careful not to brush young puppies' teeth too roughly during teething, which can cause gum pain or bleeding.

Reward your dog with a healthy treat afterwards to ensure that he sees brushing as an enjoyable exercise.

Many dogs learn to love brushing
My clients often tell me their dogs come running when they hear and smell the toothpaste being opened.

Brushing your dog's teeth regularly also gives you the chance to observe your pet's mouth often. You can more readily detect and report injured teeth, sore gums or other mouth problems to your veterinarian.

Home dental products can be very beneficial. Ask your veterinarian to advise you on which ones are safe for your dog.

In addition to tooth brushing, your veterinarian can advise you on dental care products including plaque and tartar reducing foods, treats and toys, and special mouth rinses or water additives.

Before offering dental care products to your pet, be sure to ask your veterinarian if they are safe. Several toys and treats can actually damage your dog's teeth or gums because they are too hard or rough.

Professional dental cleaning is necessary
Although safe dental home care products are very beneficial, they do not prevent the need for periodic professional dental cleaning.

Like humans, some dogs develop more tartar than other dogs. Some dogs need a professional cleaning every year while others only need it every three to four years.

Your veterinarian can perform a dental cleaning that includes cleaning each tooth and underneath the gum line. Your pet's gums are probed to see if any peridontal pockets are present. X-rays are also taken to determine the health of the root structure.

Regular care and maintenance of your dog's teeth will keep your pet smiling

After a dental cleaning and necessary treatments such as root canals or extractions of infected or broken teeth, pet owners often report that their dog acts like a puppy again! The relief that pets feel after having bacteria removed and painful teeth extracted or treated is immense.

For more information, consult with your veterinarian.