How do you feel not brushing your teeth
Can you image how you would feel and how your teeth would appear if you never brushed them? For one, plaque would certainly be developing. You would also have unpleasant tastes in your mouth which would probably be unbearable. Your teeth in this condition will eventually hit your wallet. You will have to pay a hefty dentist bill to get your oral health back in shape.
Dog owners can you imagine what could happen to your dog’s mouth without proper care and attention. The simple answer is dog dental disease.
Dental diseases are quite common in dogs. By the time your dog reaches the age of three years old it is predicted over eighty percent of dogs have some form of dental disease, also known as periodontal disease. Dog lovers, dog dental care is vitally important to ensure your pooch does not experience this awful disease.
What Is Dog Dental Disease?
Dental disease not only affects your dog’s teeth but their gums and the structures that support and surround their teeth. It begins with plaque build up on the teeth. This plaque contains bacteria and food particles.
Any plaque that remains on the teeth and hardens into tartar this is not good for your dog. If tartar appears above the gumline and is visible, your vet can remove it relatively easily during a professional dental cleaning progamme . Tartar that grows below the gumline can cause inflammation and damage to your beloved dog’s structures supporting their teeth and also cause serious infection. This will also lead to a dental problem and pain.
Just beause your dog’s teeth may visibly look clean and white, this can be deceiving. It does not mean your dog’s teeth is clean and healthy.
Signs of dental disease in dogs include:
Broken teeth
Loose teeth
Bad breath
Painful and bleeding mouth
Refusal or inability to eat and drink
Drooling
Why Is Dog Dental Care Important?
As a dog owner, you certainly want your dog to have a healthy mouth. Below are five reasons why good dental care for dogs is so critical to your dog’s overall health:
Preventing tooth loss
The reason why your dog’s teeth may be loose or fall out is because it is damaged or infected. When the structures supporting a dog’s teeth become damaged or infected, the teeth loosen and fall out. Good dog dental care will ensure that those teeth-supporting structures stay healthy and keep the teeth in place.
Bad Breath
If your dog is suffering from poor breath it is time for your dog to be checked out by the Vets who can provide your dog with good dental care. Preventing bad breath (halitosis).
Preventing Oral Pain
If your dog is unable to eat or drink the likelihood is it is suffering with dental disease and this can be quite painful. A regular dog health check up will maintain your dog’s teeth and gums and will help with oral pain.
Bacteria
Dog owners should be aware that if bacteria in the plaque enters the bloodstream and spread to the heart, kidneys and liver this can damage the organs and make your dog feel sick. This spread of bacteria throughout the body, called bacteremia, can damage organs and make dogs quite sick. To ensure your dog does not experience this good oral health will help prevent bacteremia and subsequent organ damage.
How Can I Get Plaque Off My Dog’s Teeth?
Visting a veterinarian clinic annually will help to maintaining your dog’s dental oral health care. Here are a few things you can do at home to help maintain healthy dog teeth:
Brush your dog’s teeth
Dog owners, brushing your dog’s teeth a few days a week is a good way of maintaining good oral health. Use a safe, dog toothpaste
Give your dog dental treats
Not all dogs like their teeth being brushed. If this is your dog, visit United Dogdom. Here we have healthy chews to maintain your dog’s teeth https://uniteddogdom.co.uk/shop/treats/chews/
Provide your dog with dental toys
There are various dog toys that are designed to clean a dog’s teeth and even give them fresh breath. These toys are durable, so your dog can chew on it to their heart’s content. Here at United Dogdom we have a variety of toys that will keep your dog entertained for hours. https://uniteddogdom.co.uk/shop/toys-accessories/toys/
Professional Dog Teeth Cleaning
If you chose to have a professional cleaning your dog’s teeth then a general anesthesia will be required. This is required for the vet to reach above and below the gumline and ensure your dog’s entire mouth is cleaned.