Dog Tooth Decay Symptoms
So, what symptoms should you be watching out for? Here’s a list of the mainsymptoms of canine tooth decay.
Visible cavities:This is the most obvious sign that there’s an actual medical problem. If you see dark spots or holes in your dog’s teeth, take them to the vet and get them looked at as soon as possible.
Tartar/plaque:Tartar is a mineral buildup on the teeth that is typically yellow, orange, or brown in color. When it’s allowed to build up, it can form a coating called plaque. Tartar and plaque harbor bacteria, which can eat away at the tooth enamel and form a cavity.
Brown or yellow teeth:Brown or yellow teeth are a sign that tartar is building up. If you’re not sure, look along the gum line. This is where it typically begins.
Increased sneezing:In severe cases of periodontitis, the infection can eat away at the bone between the nose and the mouth. This causes increased mucus production, which leads to sneezing.
Gingivitis:Gingivitis is a gum infection that causes the dog’s gums to become red and become swollen gums. You’ll often see plaque, an orange or yellow buildup, at the base of the teeth. This may or may not mean your dog has a cavity, but it does mean they should see the vet.
Periodontitis:In severe cases, gingivitis can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, a condition called periodontitis. In this condition, pockets in the gum can bleed or fill with pus. If your dog’s mouth is bleeding, he may have periodontitis, and needs veterinary attention.
Excessive drooling:There’s no set rule as to how much a dog should drool, but you know your dog. If she’s drooling much more than usual, it could indicate a dental problem.
Blood on toys or dishes:If you find blood or bloody drool on toys or in dishes, his mouth is probably bleeding. It’s time for a visit to the vet!
Bad breath:Yes, we’re back to bad breath! Bad breath can be caused by odors from an infection. This can be either an infection of the gum or of the tooth. Alternatively, it might just be a sign of a poor dogs dental health.
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Concerns That Aren’t Always Warning Signs
Worried pet owners have been known to exclaim, “My dog has rotten teeth! What should I do? when there is no need to worry. Even if these things might seem concerning, they might not be:
How should I brush my dog’s teeth?
We actually don’t recommend you brush your dog’s teeth in the traditional sense because the bristles are often too hard for your pup and can actually cause gums to recede and may also stir up some inflammation.
A better alternative to a brush is ourall-natural cleaning pen, made with soft silicone bristles that are gentle and effective. This will clean your dog’s teeth and gum line without causing any discomfort. It’s designed to be as delicious as possible, so you won’t have any trouble getting your dog to open up and say “Aaaah.”
If your dog is hesitant, start by getting them used to the pen itself.
During this phase, it’s important to work on a regular schedule. This will make your dog anticipate her next cleaning treat.
Next, it’s time to get them used to cleaning their teeth. Lift your dog’s teeth gently to reveal the gums, and apply the gel from the top rears to the bottom fronts. Focus on the outside of the teeth near the gum line, since this is where most tartar collects.
How to clean your Dog’s Teeth at HOME in simple steps. l Dog grooming tips l
Do you know your pet’s age? If you adopted your furry friend, his or her age may be a mystery. Fortunately, a quick look in your pet’s mouth can help you narrow down a general age range.
Incisors, the pointed teeth used to tear food into bite-size pieces, usually appear at two to four weeks of age for cats and four to six weeks for dogs. These teeth are only temporary and will be replaced with permanent incisors very soon. At three to four weeks, baby canine teeth appear in both dogs and cats. Canines are the fang-like teeth that appear in the top of the mouth. At four to six weeks, baby incisors and premolars will appear in dogs, and baby premolars will appear in cats. Premolars are located at the back of the upper and lower mouth and are used to grind food.
By the time your puppy or kitten is just two months old, all of his or her baby teeth will have erupted. During the next 10 months, the baby teeth will gradually be replaced with permanent incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Don’t be surprised if you find some of these baby teeth around your home. At age one, most puppies and kittens have white teeth with no signs of wear.
From age one to two, your cat or dog may begin to look a little yellow, and tartar may appear. Plaque turns into tartar, a hard brown deposit, when it remains on the teeth too long. Daily tooth brushing reduces plaque and prevents it from becoming tartar. Regular dental cleanings at the veterinarian’s office will rid your pet’s mouth of both plaque and tartar and reduce the risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay.
Tartar may continue to build up during the next several years, and you may notice that your pet’s teeth have begun to show a little wear. Wear and gum disease are more common when your dog or cat is between the ages of five and 10. Elderly pets may eventually lose teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease, and their teeth may show considerable wear.
Determining age by the condition of the teeth isn’t an exact science. Some breeds – like pugs, Yorkshire terriers, greyhounds, poodles and Maltese dogs – are more likely to experience dental disease or may lose baby teeth later than normal.
If you’re not quite sure of your pet’s age, paying attention to a few other signs may improve your estimate, such as:
No matter what your pet’s age, regular veterinary examinations are the key to ensuring your furry friend’s good health. If it’s time for pet’s annual visit, or you’re concerned about a health issue, contact us to schedule an appointment.