We all want our dogs to live long, happy lives, and taking care of their teeth is an essential part of that. Dental health is often overlooked, but it's crucial for your dog's well-being.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to discomfort and disease and even impact other parts of your pup's body, such as their heart, kidneys or liver.
We've teamed up with veterinary expert Dr Mina Cassimatis to share practical tips for keeping your dog's teeth in top shape and to help you recognize signs that something isn't quite right.
Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, doesn't just stay in the mouth—it can have far-reaching effects on your dog's overall health.
Dogs with dental disease have an increased number of bacteria in their mouths.
These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to various parts of the body, causing disease in the heart, liver, and kidneys.
When we have a diseased mouth, it can lead to infections, gingivitis, jaw pain, and discomfort. We know that there is a clear association between poor dental health and disease in the heart and the kidneys. - Dr Mina Cassimatis.
And here's the tricky part: dogs are masters at hiding their discomfort.
In all my time as a veterinarian, I've never seen a dog stop eating food because they have dental disease. Dogs will eat through a lot of dental problems. - Dr Mina
This makes it even more important to be proactive about your dog's dental care!
Dogs can't tell us when something feels off, but their mouths can give us some clues. Here's what to look out for:
Bad breath: Smelly breath isn't normal and could indicate an underlying issue.
Yellow or brown teeth: Discoloration can be a sign of plaque and tartar buildup.
Loose or missing teeth: This often points to advanced dental disease.
Swelling on the face: Infections in the tooth roots can cause noticeable swelling.
Excessive drooling or saliva buildup: This can signal discomfort or oral issues.
If you notice any of these signs, it's time to visit your vet for a dental check-up.
Periodontal disease doesn’t happen overnight—it develops in stages, and early intervention is key to keeping your dog’s mouth healthy. Here’s what happens if dental care is neglected:
Good dental care starts at home! Here are Dr Mina's top recommendations:
Brush Their Teeth Daily
Brushing is the gold standard for maintaining your dog's oral health. Even brushing once a day can make a huge difference.
Schedule Regular Dental Checks with your Vet
Make an appointment to have your dog's teeth checked by your vet every 6 months. Your vet will be able to advise if your dog needs a professional dental clean, known as a scale and polish.
A scale and polish by your vet will give your dog's teeth a deep clean, removing tartar and plaque from areas you can't reach at home. This includes the area below the gum line that you can't reach even with regular brushing.
A scale and polish requires anesthesia to ensure a thorough and stress-free cleaning.
There is a common belief that kibble helps keep a dog's teeth clean. However, this isn't entirely accurate, as not all kibbles are equally effective at cleaning teeth. If your dog needs a dental-specific diet, your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic prescription dental diet to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Not all kibble is made the same. Some specially designed dental diets can help clean teeth, but the vast majority of kibble doesn't clean teeth at all. - Dr Mina
The same applies to dental chews. Some chews can assist in removing plaque and tartar, but dental chews alone should not be considered your dog's only method of dental care.
Want to hear more tips straight from the expert? Check out our video featuring Dr Mina Cassimatis, where she breaks down everything you need to know about caring for your dog's teeth.
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