Common Dental Problems in Dogs

By caring for your dog's teeth you can help to prevent serious oral infections and diseases. Our vets in Killen share some of the most commonly seen dog dental problems, the symptoms, and what can be done to prevent them.

Common Types of Dental Diseases in Dogs

The simplest way to care for your dog's teeth is to keep them clean and healthy. By using a toothbrush and manually cleaning them you can help to clear away food particles, plaque, and debris. Plaque is made up of bacteria and leaves a whitish substance on your teeth. This can eventually turn yellow and harden into what we know as tartar or calculus. Tartar will remain stuck to the tooth until it is scraped off your dog's teeth with a special tool by the vet, just like your dentist would. When left untreated, plaque can build up causing decay and eventual tooth loss.

Gingivitis is one of the more common dog dental disease symptoms along with discolored deposits on the teeth, and increasingly bad breath. As the dental disease gets worse, dogs may experience even worse breath as well as bleeding of the gums.

Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

Gum disease is one of the most common types of dental conditions affecting dogs. This can also be referred to as periodontal disease. This can cause the eventual loss of jawbone and teeth. In the earliest stages, plaque and tartar stick to your dog's teeth and eventually make their way under the gumline. Once under the gumline, serious complications can occur.

This disease starts in the form of gingivitis and develops into periodontal disease as the gum and bone around the tooth deteriorate. While the structures begin to deteriorate, small pockets will form which allow food particles to become trapped. It's important to have gum disease treated at the first signs otherwise your dog could experience dental decay and serious complications.

Some of the signs of gum disease in dogs include:

These symptoms can indicate a serious health concern. If you spot any of these signs, please contact a veterinarian for dog dental care in Killen right away.

Broken & Fractured Teeth

Dogs love playing and sometimes they use their mouth to do so. If they chomp on the wrong things, however, it could lead to broken teeth. Be sure that the object they are chewing on is safe, otherwise, they may end up with damaged teeth. Even everyday items that dogs use can be the cause of a tooth fracture such as bones or hard plastic used to make toys. Dog chew toys should be small enough that the dog doesn't have to entirely open its mouth, but large enough that there won't be a concern of accidentally swallowing or choking on the toy.

Infections in the Teeth or Mouth

When bacteria build up on the teeth it can lead to serious infections. While the bacteria alone isn't the issue, problems can arise when the bacteria continues to build up eventually finding a path into the tooth and becoming an infection. This infection may even enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body such as the vital organs. Infections are primarily caused by periodontitis but can also be initiated due to trauma-induced chewing on hard or sharp objects.

Some infections can be fatal as the bacteria makes its way to the bloodstream and cause organ disease/failure in the heart, liver, kidneys, or brain.

Preventing Dental Disease in Dogs

Dental care routines are an easy way to manage your dog's oral health and prevent serious dog teeth problems from developing.

Adjusting your dog's diet can also increase oral hygiene, even with small exchanges like providing dental chews instead of less healthy treats. There are also water and food additives that can help to improve their breath and oral health.

Regularly brushing your dog's teeth can help to clear away plaque and bacteria that can lead to oral infections and decay. While it may not always be possible, you should try to brush your dog's teeth on a daily basis.

Be sure to bring your dog in for an oral hygiene cleaning and examination at least once every year. Some smaller breeds of dogs should go two or more times a year due to their teeth's shallow roots.

If you would like to learn more about your dog's oral health and how veterinary dentistry can help, please reach out to our team in Killen.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Is your dog due for a dental cleaning and evaluation? Contact our team for all your dog's dentistry needs in Killen.