Dental problems
Žiga Oražem dr. vet. med. about prevention, identification, and treatment of dental problems.
How to identify
Dental problems
It is known that most dogs start to deal with problems in the oral cavity by the age of three.
Oral hygiene and its health should be one of the main concerns when keeping a pet healthy. However, this is often overlooked, as owners often think that bad breath is something that every dog just has.
In addition to bad breath, careful owners also notice the formation of colored material on the surface of the teeth and redness of the gums.
What is plaque?
Plaque is a slimy and sticky substance that primarily forms on the teeth and is made from leftover food particles and microorganisms living in your dog's mouth.
Over time, in combination with salts from saliva, it begins to harden. It continues to accumulate and mineralize, eventually transforming into tartar or calculus. Then it becomes rough and porous and can develop above and below the gum line.
What is tartar?
Tartar creates a rough surface on the tooth where bacteria accumulate and multiply.
Bacteria cause inflammation of the gums, which causes pain and bleeding. This leads to periodontal disease.
Tartar spreads below the gum line and pulls the periodontal tissues away from the teeth and their roots. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in organs such as the heart and kidneys.
1️⃣ Toothbrushes are the most effective way of cleaning your dog's teeth. Most dogs don't like it at first. However, by using tasty pâtés and gradually increasing the intensity of rubbing and later brushing, we bring the dog to cooperation and quality cleaning. It is important that we do not use preparations for humans, as these can be toxic for our pets. We do this as often as possible, preferably daily, with enzyme toothpastes for dogs.
2️⃣ Dog tooth wipes clean the teeth like a brush but don't reach all the corners like a brush.
3️⃣ Dog chews are designed in such a way that when biting, they rub dental plaque and thus reduce its formation.
There are also various dental treats or preparations that are mixed with drinking water.
Despite the fact that physical teeth cleaning is the most effective, in certain cases this is not possible due to the dog's non-cooperation.
These products contain preparations that help maintain the hygiene of the oral cavity, prevent the reproduction of bacteria, and prevent the formation of biofilm.
By reducing plaque build-up, they help with the unpleasant smell coming from the mouth.
Cleaning at the vet
The best method to ensure a dog's oral hygiene is through professional treatment and cleaning at the vet. Although dogs are required to undergo anesthesia for this procedure, it is the only way to thoroughly examine them and address any underlying problems that may go unnoticed, even by the most dedicated dog owner.
