Does your dog have healthy teeth?

 We all know, or at least should, that brushing after meals is essential to having good healthy teeth. The same, of course, goes for our pets.

However, since dogs can not take care of their own teeth, or even hold a toothbrush, they can easily get infections of the gums and mouth, which can become very serious if not treated.

Why should you worry about your dog’s teeth? Logical question! Why should you worry about the health and wellbeing of your dog? Don’t we go too far? Certainly not!

A dog uses his teeth in many different ways. The basics are, of course, eating and chewing bones. Then, in playing, a dog will pull and jerk on objects, such as wood, and catch balls or Frisbees. Teeth are also your dog's defense weapons, and, when needed, as with burglars, they become their offensive weapons as well. Then, of course, some dogs use their teeth to re-decorate your furniture or re-style your latest high fashion boots, but we won't get into that at this time.   

This intensive way of using the teeth makes it necessary to check them on a regular basis so we can keep them in optimal condition.

Without proper care, infections of the mouth are fairly common in dogs, as well as cats.

According to recent research, we learned that 80 percent of all dogs older then six have problems of the mouth, mostly infections of the gums.

These infections are primarily caused by a residue of food and the resulting accumulation of bacteria in between the teeth and under the gums.

As with humans, when the food residue dries and decays, tartar is formed. In extreme cases, the tartar can become so bad that the teeth disappear behind a brown-yellowish layer, which emits a strong odour, sort of like canine halitosis.  This situation causes infections of the gums and can even affect the membrane around the teeth which is very important in the blood circulation.

If this infection is not treated in time, or in the correct manner, it will lead to loss of the teeth and molars, with all problems relating to those conditions.

In order to properly take care of your dog's teeth, you must start with a thorough and regular diagnosis. While you can make perfunctory exams yourself, it is best advised, as it is with humans, to have your dog's teeth checked by the vet on a regular basis.

Tartar is very common, even more so in older canines, so do not be surprised if your dog has it. Most of the dogs with tartar have bad breath. So if your dog has mouth odour, open the mouth carefully and check. If you see the growth of tartar, it must be treated immediately before, as stated above, an infection has time to take hold. If your dog already has an infection, it must be treated with antibiotics.

A good way to help prevent tartar and to promote healthy teeth, is to feed your dog special food which is on the market, but that could be a bit more costly than regular food. A simpler more economic way is to brush your dog's teeth with a toothbrush, but make sure you use special toothpaste for dogs, made without fluoride. 

All pet shops feature aids to promote healthy teeth and besides the aforementioned paste there are special brushes and snacks which help to fight bad doggy breath!