Reasons to Stay on Top of Your Dog's Dental Health

A dog's dental health is directly linked to their entire physical health and well-being, just like their humans. Unfortunately, periodontal disease and tooth decay are common causes for dogs, even young dogs, to visit their vets. As bacteria from periodontal disease spreads through your dog's body, these dental health issues can seriously impact their general health. That's why it's critical to follow these simple guidelines to keep your pet's mouth healthy.

We've got seven reasons why you should stay on top of your doggo's oral health. Keep reading to discover why it's vital to prioritise dog dental care.

1. Prevent Tooth Loss

Over time, the structures that support your dog's teeth may become infected or destroyed. Their teeth may loosen or fall out due to severe, long-term damage.

By focusing on your doggo's dental care, you can guarantee that the teeth structures supporting your dog's mouth remain solid and healthy. Therefore, your dog's teeth will stay in place, making chewing and playing more accessible. Otherwise, your dog may struggle to eat, leading to malnutrition or other health issues. Furthermore, if they lose their teeth, they will be in excruciating pain for the rest of their lives!

2. Avoid Periodontal Disease

Tartar on your dog's teeth can irritate the gums and cause infection. In addition, the gums may pull away from the teeth, putting the teeth and gums in jeopardy. This can cause gingivitis in your dog, leading to tooth loss.

Gingivitis is the beginning of gum disease. However, it has the potential to develop into a more serious periodontal disease. Understanding the importance of canine dental health will assist you in preventing periodontal disease in your canine friend.

3. Prevent pain

Periodontal disease and gingivitis can be painful. Think about the last time you had a toothache. Would you want your dog to face the same difficulties as you?

Dental illness can affect both dogs and humans. Keeping your dog's teeth and gums healthy will help to prevent oral pain. They may refuse to eat if this is not done. They may also experience emotional ups and downs. The following are some signs that your dog is suffering from dental problems:

• Broken teeth
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath
• Painful or bleeding gums
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Drooling

4. Prevent Organ Damage

Plaque-forming bacteria can enter the circulation. Once passed through the body, the bacterium can travel to the heart, liver, and kidneys. The medical word for this illness is bacteremia. Bacteremia can cause organ damage and disease in your dog. By focusing on dental care for dogs, you can keep your dog happy and healthy for a long time.

5. Eliminate Bad Breath

Do you ever get a whiff of your dog's bad breath after a slobbery kiss? This is a sign that germs are building up as a result of the canines' poor oral hygiene. Cleaning your dog's teeth regularly may assist in eliminating the odour. Plaque will form if food particles that stick to their teeth and gums are not removed.

The biological mechanism in animals is the same as in humans. Plaque is a bacterial biofilm that coats the surface of the teeth. After a few days, the film will calcify and become cement-hard. While the first layer is modest, subsequent layers will appear as time goes on.

Plaque is a dreadful yellow-brown film that forms on your dog's teeth. Plaque is a filmy substance formed when bacteria gather together. Brushing your teeth on a regular basis can help remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Tartar buildup on your dog's teeth would otherwise necessitate professional cleaning.

6. Dogs are great at hiding oral pain.

Likely, you won't realise your dog has a severe tooth issue until it's too late. In actuality, many dogs are skilled at masking their distress. Your dog's mouth should be examined regularly to ensure that it is healthy. If there is an issue, you will be able to spot it early on.

7. Prevent difficulties in the Future

Early detection of dental health issues will aid in the prevention of future difficulties. A veterinarian, for instance, may discover plaque forming on your dog's teeth. They can remove the plaque before it hardens into tartar, preventing bacteria from spreading. As a result, you're preventing future organ damage, potentially saving you money on a future operation.

How to take care of your doggo's teeth

Practising good dental care at home will lead to more than sweeter-smelling kisses; your dog will live a happier, healthier, and longer life. Thankfully, cleaning your canine companion's teeth is surprisingly simple, even on a tight schedule. Even the busiest dog owners can easily incorporate these practices with just a few minutes each week, so your four-footed friend's pearly whites will sparkle for years to come.

Setting regular teeth cleaning schedule at home will go a long way toward keeping your dog's teeth clean. With a specifically-designed dog toothbrush, you can easily reach all the tiny nooks and crevices inside your dog's mouth. If you have a busy schedule, you can also let your sweet doggo nibble on a dental chew. There are even dental sprays that you might want to try to quickly help get your dog fresh breath. 

Of course, it's also better to schedule your fur baby up for teeth cleaning session with his veterinarian as they can easily remove plaque below the gum line, which toothbrushes can't even reach. Though this is the most expensive and time-consuming option, we recommend prioritising veterinarian oral exams. Your doggo will thank you for it!

Conclusion

Taking care of your dog's teeth now will save you money, stress and save your dog from any pain - not to mention, it will provide you peace of mind as well. Getting your pooch a professional dental treatment is not an option just yet. Then make brushing their teeth a part of their overall training. Make sure to start slowly to give your dog time to become comfortable with the situation. 

The condition of your fur baby's mouth has a significant impact on their general health and happiness. Keeping their teeth and gums healthy is vital so that your doggo can give you warming kisses any day.