27/02/2025
Oral Hygiene
Signs of dental disease
- Changes in appetite
- Pain when eating
- Excessive drooling
- Bad breath
- Dirty teeth
- Red gums
- Pawing at the mouth
- Behaviour changes
Dog dental problems like gingivitis and periodontitis are preventable with regular dental care. If your dog’s teeth are neglected, oral health problems can occur over time.
Gingivitis
This is a condition caused by a build-up of hardened bacteria above and below the gum line causing inflammation. Signs of gingivitis include bleeding, redness, swollen gums, and bad breath. Gingivitis is reversible with regular teeth cleanings, It can cause serious health problems if it is not treated.
Periodontitis
This infection occurs when bacteria flourishes under the gumline. Signs include loose teeth, bad breath, tooth pain, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Periodontitis can result in tooth loss and infection can spread to the rest of the body.
Gum disease
Symptoms can include an increase in height and thickness of gums, bleeding, halitosis, excess drooling, and decreased appetite.
Halitotsis
This can be a sign of serious dental health problems as well as being unpleasant for you. Bad breath can be caused by bacteria growth along the teeth and gum line. Regular brushing and dental cleanings by your vet are generally effective.
Tartar
Tartar is a brown or yellow build up on a dog's teeth that can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and bad beath. It's caused by plaque that hardens over time. (plaque is invisible bacteria)
Teeth abscesses
Tooth roots can be affected when excess bacteria travels up through the gum line, or reaches the root through the bloodstream. Sometimes pus forms under or in the tissues surrounding the dog's tooth It is extremely painful for your dog. Symptoms of this condition include swelling, discharge below the eye, fever, loss of appetite, and depression. It can also show in the form of facial swellings. Tooth extraction is the most common method of treatment.
Tumours
Tumours can appear in your dog’s mouth area including the lymph regions around the mouth.
Dental Care
-The best preventative by far in brushing your dog's teeth daily, with a specially designed toothpaste for dogs and a soft toothbrush.
- Dental supplement
- Dental food
