One of the most widely recognized canine owner grievances is bad breath. Although bad breath might appear harmless, it’s commonly a side effect of more serious dental disease and problems in dogs. Hence, it’s vital to consistently get your dog checked by a vet for these complications.

Cavities aren’t common, but periodontal or gum disease in canines isn't. Canine periodontal illness is one of the most widely recognized and severe canine medical conditions. It affects around 80 percent of canines when they are three years of age. So, let’s discuss what you should be aware of with dental disease and the factors to prevent it.

What is Periodontal Disease (Dental Disease?

Periodontal disease (also known as dental disease) is an infection caused by the bacteria tracked down in dental plaque. It usually begins with gentle tooth staining. Without cleaning, this plaque builds up, and minerals in the spit solidify the plaque into hard tartar joined to the teeth.

Albeit most people can see tartar over their dog’s gum line, this isn't what causes periodontal disease. It’s when tartar begins diving into and under the gums. Eventually, bacteria stick and begin an endless loop of harm to the supporting tissues around the tooth.

5 Most Common Dental Disease and Problems in Dogs

Now that we’ve discussed the basics of periodontal disease let’s highlight the common dental disease and problems in dogs. Keep in mind many issues can hinder a dog’s health. These are just common areas to highlight with the gumline and mouth that every dog owner should be aware of.

1. Plaque

Plaque is a thin film of bacteria and food that gathers and adheres to the outer layer of a canine's teeth. The self-regulating powers of brushing can eliminate plaque. A canine's teeth and gums will remain sound if plaque is removed daily. If plaque stays stuck on the surfaces of the teeth, bacteria found in a canine's spit will solidify into tartar-which is immovably connected to the teeth.

2. Gingivitis

When tartar begins to dive into, and beneath the gum tissue, the gums become red, bothered, and excited, causing gingivitis. Whenever tartar has connected to the gum line and causes gum disease, plaque bacteria are continually found underneath the gum line. As a result, it causes varying degrees of gum infection.

3. Tooth Root Abscess

When periodontal disease progresses, and there is gum disease and periodontitis, bacteria can move to the teeth. The microbes can gradually destroy the tooth base and connection to the jaw, denying the root and tooth their blood supply. Eventually, it causes the death of the impacted tissue.

Tragically the dog’s immune system has a challenging time freeing itself of bone disease called osteomyelitis. Hence, the only solution at this point is surgery from a veterinary. Tooth root abscesses generally affect the premolar teeth, and a canine commonly has a painful soft swelling directly under the eye.

4. Loss of Teeth

In these high-level types of periodontal disease, where the connections of the teeth are lost, teeth will drop out or require removal. Loss of teeth is expected if you continually ignore issues with your dog’s teeth. The teeth fall out or are removed if they are causing trouble eating or pain.

5. Benign or Malignant Oral Tumor

Oral tumors can develop inside your pet's mouth, causing inconvenience and the inability to eat. Fortunately, not every one of them is cancerous. These benign tumors are commonly removed by vets, allowing your dog to return to how they were before the growth began.

On the other hand, oral melanoma is a deadly oral disease that regularly starts with cancer development inside your pet's mouth. This condition is dangerous and requires prompt treatment to benefit your pet's life and keep the growth from developing.

What are the Signs of Dental Disease and Problems in Dogs?

Many dog owners think their pet's teeth are acceptable since they eat and drink usually. However, over 66% of adult dogs have some type of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a complex disease that can affect the liver, heart, and kidneys through the spread of bacteria in the body! Here are some signs of getting your dog’s teeth checked:

Signs

• Difficulty Eating

• Constant Drooling

• Pawing at the Mouth or Teeth

• Discharge from the Nose

• Eye Swelling

• Significant Bad Breath

• Tooth Discoloration or Visible Tartar

• Loose or Missing Teeth

• Red, Swollen or Bleeding gums

• Weight Loss

• Loss of Appetite

Risk Factors

The most well-known risk factor for periodontal disease is a lack of good canine teeth cleaning. Daily tooth cleaning and brushing are as vital as regular professional cleanings performed by veterinarians. Unless a canine owner performs regular teeth cleaning at home, the periodontal disease will advance no matter what the veterinarian does for standard teeth cleaning.

Puppies with retained deciduous teeth (their teeth as puppies) might be at expanded risk for advancing periodontal sickness. Canines that bite unnecessarily or bite on hard objects or toys may be inclined to tooth harm that causes periodontal disease.

Other issues, such as Diabetes or Cushing's Sickness, increase a canine's chance of periodontal disease. If a persistent condition impacts your grown-up or senior canine, get some information about the ideal way to keep up with his dental well-being.

How to Prevent Dental Diseases in Dogs

The best way to prevent any dental disease in dogs is prevention. The gums will remain healthy if you consistently clean your dog’s teeth. Prevention includes at-home brushing, as we do for ourselves, and regular vet visits for dental cleaning. If you need a vet in Edmonton, look no further!

At Gateway Veterinary Centre, we’ll go over any questions or guidelines you want to know regarding your dog’s teeth and best dog dental care practices. It’s best to start the process when they’re young since it’ll make it easier for them to adjust to the cleaning schedule. If your dog doesn’t like brushing, don’t worry, there are methods to clean their teeth. Reach out to us today to learn more!