subject: Caring For Your Pup'sdog's Teeth And Gums [print this page] The first sign of teeth and gum disease is usually very bad breath. This means it is time for the vet to check the dog out. Of course if the dog is taken to the vet on a regular basis then you may ward off problems before they start.
You can get the dog's teeth cleaned by the vet or you can clean them yourself at home. That is right you can get special toothbrushes and toothpaste made just for your dog. Brush your dog's teeth regularly to help prevent harmful bacteria causing mouth problems. In a pinch you can use baking soda, butthe dogs like the toothpaste better.
Brushing your dog's teeth once or twice a week is enough to prevent dental problems. Brushing does not take too much time either. Just make it part of your weekly grooming for the dog. Brush their coat and their teeth on the same day. This way you will know when you need to brush the teeth again.
Eighty percent of dogs will get some kind of mouth disease in their life according to the "American Veterinary Dental Society". Usually this happens by age 3. Oral disease can also cause problems to other parts of your dogs body. As with humans it can affect a dog's heart function. It can also cause kidney and lung problems.
Periodontal disease happens to the gums around the teeth. This happens in stages starting with plaque on the teeth. The plaque is easy to remove at first through brushing or the dog munching on something hard like a milk bone. But if not taken care of it can cause gingivitis. This is a bad inflammation that can happen on the gums, making them swollen, red, and causing them to easily bleed.
Professional teeth cleaning is the only way to deal with this situation. This is because the cleaning will need to be done deeper than you can do it. The plaque by this stage has gone beyond the gum line. If this is not treated then the tissues close to the teeth can be damaged and even the bone the tooth sits in can erode away. At this point the tooth loosens and could fall out.
This is the reason proper dental care and exams are important to your dog's health. If their mouth hurts they may not eat enough to maintain their health. Their energy level can be affected to the point that they do not want to romp and play. When oral diseases get very severe they can have adverse consequences for the dog. It can have heart problems along with other serious conditions all caused by the oral diseases taking place in their mouth.
So make sure to take your dog to the vet for regular checkups. Also brush their teeth on a regular basis. if your dog does not allow you to brush his teeth or if he is fearful of getting his teeth brushed you can try some of the products currently on the market that help get rid of plaque buildup. There are liquids that can be added to your dogs water, just add a teaspoon or so to every bowl of water. Your dog will never know the difference.
by: Jennifer Marshall
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