Five reasons why dog ​​dental care is important

How would you feel if you had never brushed your teeth? The constant presence of lots of plaque and an unpleasant taste in the mouth can be more than you can handle. After paying a hefty dentist bill to regain oral health, your wallet may not be as good anymore.

Now imagine what will happen to your dog's mouth if proper oral care is not given. The simple answer is canine tooth disease.

Dental disease in dogs is common. By age 3, more than 80 percent of dogs have some form of dental condition known as periodontal disease. Dental disease in dogs can have serious consequences, so it's essential to maintain good oral care for your dog.

What is dental disease?

Dental disease can affect a dog's teeth, gums, and structures that support and surround a dog's teeth. It begins with the accumulation of plaque on the teeth. This plaque contains bacteria and food particles.

The remaining plaque on the teeth can harden into tartar. Tartar is visible when it is above the gum line and can be removed relatively easily by a veterinarian during professional teeth cleaning.

However, appearances can be deceiving. A pearl-white coat doesn't necessarily mean your dog's mouth is healthy. Tartar below the gum line is a real problem.

Tartar below the gum line can cause inflammation that damages the structures that support the teeth and can lead to infection. When the dental disease reaches this stage, dogs develop severe and painful dental problems.

Signs of dental disease in dogs include:

• broken tooth
• loose teeth
• bad breath
• pain and bleeding in the mouth
• refusal or inability to eat
• saliva

Why is it important to take care of your dog's teeth?

As a pet parent, you want your dog to have a healthy mouth. Here are five reasons why good dog dental care is essential for your dog's overall health:

Prevent tooth loss. When the structures that support your dog's teeth are damaged or infected, teeth can loosen and fall out. Good oral care will ensure that these tooth-supporting structures remain healthy and keep the teeth in place.

Prevents bad breath (bad breath). If your dog's breath causes your nose hairs to curl, it's time to take good care of your teeth. When your dog has a healthy mouth and healthy dog ​​teeth, bad breath should not be a problem.

Prevent toothache. Dental disease, especially severe, can be harrowing for dogs. Keeping your dog's teeth and gums healthy will help prevent mouth sores.

Prevent organ damage. Bacteria in plaque can enter the bloodstream and spread to the heart, kidneys, and liver. The spread of this bacteria, called sepsis, can damage organs and make dogs sick. Good oral health will help prevent future sepsis and organ damage.

Prevent dental disease from getting worse. Since many dogs develop dental disease by age 3, it can be difficult to prevent its development in the first place. However, good dog dental care can prevent dental disease from becoming severe and causing systemic problems.

How can I remove plaque from my dog's teeth?

Dog dental care includes not only an annual professional dental cleaning at your veterinarian's office but also regular home dental care. Here are some things you can do at home to help maintain your dog's healthy teeth:

Brush your dog's teeth. Brushing your dog's teeth several days a week is a great way to maintain good oral health. Use a dog-safe toothpaste like Sentry Petrodex Veterinary Strength Enzyme Dog Toothpaste.

Give your dog dental treatment. Not all dogs like to brush their teeth. If this is your dog, try some dog dental treatments like Zuke's Z-Bone Dental Treats or WHIMZEES Alligator Dental Dog Treats.

Provide dental toys for your dog. Some dog toys, like the Nylabone Durachew Teething Dinosaur Dog Toy, are designed to clean dogs' teeth and freshen their breath. These toys are durable, so your dog can chew them.

Professional dog teeth cleaning requires general anesthesia so your veterinarian can clean above and below the gum line and make sure to clean your dog's entire mouth. So talk to your vet to determine the best schedule and options for your dog's oral care routine.

Although the dental disease is common in dogs, proper oral care can keep your dog's teeth as healthy as possible.